Annie Mae Johnson

Annie Mae Gamble was Born April 27, 1948, in Harris County Georgia in the little town of Shiloh, GA. She was the only daughter and the youngest of four to Mildred Gamble. Later in life she was able to form a wonderful relationship with her father Warren L. Ballard. Ann’s Grandmother Cora Gamble played a vital role in her life and was a crucial part of her development into a young woman. Ann had a number of interests that included cooking, sewing, quilting, and gardening. She loved nature and being outside and over the years developed a great affection for owls and collecting photos, sculptures, and figurines that reminded her of this childhood passion. After retiring from Dekalb County School System in 2012 Ann enjoyed traveling, walking, and serving in numerous capacities at St. Paul AME Church. In 2013 she was struck with dementia, which progressed to Alzheimer’s. For the next 10 years she battled the disease which affected her both cognitively and physically. The remainder of her days were filled and surrounded by those that loved her dearly. On April 27th of 2023 Ann celebrated her 75th birthday. On the following day April 28th, 2023 on a Friday the good Lord called her home to rest with the Angels. . Education: At an early age she attended Laney Elementary School up in Waverly Hall, Georgia. Then attended George Washington Carver High school in Pine Mountain, Georgia. She was voted Miss Carver High School in 1966 and also served as a member of the cheerleading squad for Carver. She received a scholarship to Tuskegee Institute from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She attended Tuskegee Institute in 1966 in the summer program as well as the regular school year. As part of furthering her education she took classes at DeKalb Community College in the 1980s and obtained an associates degree. She also took correspondence classes at Drake College and received additional certifications along the way. Work: Worked at Scott Foresman publishing company for 14 years as a customer service and sales representative specifically for the college division. Ann’s final years of employment were spent working for Fernbank Science Center as an Executive Assistant for the Director. She retired after 26 years with the Dekalb County School System. Activities: Regarding her civic involvement and roles she served as, she was a member of the NAACP of Dekalb County. She was a member of the Lithonia Civic League. Served as an officer with the Anna Sanders scholarship fund which provided financial assistance to the students of Lithonia High School. She was involved with Georgia Mothers, which was a program across the state concerned with the children. Its primary purpose was projects statewide that participated in educational needs in the church. She was a member of Saint Paul AME church (joining in 1979), holding positions of Steward, YPD (Young People Division) Leadership. She was also an usher as well as Sunday School teacher. She assisted in developing the new members orientation manual which was put together by the board of stewards. She was also involved in the establishment and workings of the Lithonia federal credit union. She was a member of the Lithonia High School booster club and was heavily involved in all activities for Lithonia High School football and basketball. She also served in a number of capacities at Rock Chapel Park ranging from Team Mother to concession operations. Family: Ann Married Walter C. Johnson on February 17, 1967 in Tuskegee, AL, In 1967 they had their first child Keith Bernard Johnson was born in Dayton OH on September 19. They lived in Redwood City California, St. Louis, MO, and Dayton, OH while Walter played professional football for the San Francisco Forty-Niners and St. Louis Cardinals. They moved back to Dekalb County after Walter’s playing career ended to be closer to family in 1971. They settled in Decatur and in 1972 on January 6 their second son Kyle Byron Johnson was born. Ann first became a grandparent on June 20th,1995 when her first grandchild Brandon Mikhail Johnson (Keith) was born. Her second grandchild William Aubrey Johnson was born March 23, 2005 followed by her third and only granddaughter Paige Evelyn Ann Johnson born on April 30th, 2008. Final words: Ann leaves behind a husband, Walter Johnson, Two sons Keith Bernard Johnson, (wife, Celia Isla), Kyle Byron Johnson, (wife- Jan) , grandchildren, Brandon Mikhail Johnson, William Aubrey Johnson, Paige Evelyn Ann Johnson, a host of family members, including brother-in-law‘s, sister-in-law‘s, nieces, nephews, and GOD Children. She is preceded in death by her Mother Mildred Gamble , Father- Warren L. Ballard, and Brothers- Eugene, Marvin, and Clifford Gamble. In lieu of donations, please support the following organizations that are near and dear to Annie's heart: Tuskegee University- Scholarship Fund (use the drop down box to select the scholarship fund) or "West commons A&B renovations" St. Paul AME Church - St. Paul AME Worship Center (stpaul-ame.org) - click "Give" , "Online", "Donation" Alzheimer's association- Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease

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Annie Mae Johnson

April 27, 1948 - April 28, 2023