Ebony Johnson

Sunrise: February 6, 1981 - Sunset: April 27, 2016 Ebony Niquecole Johnson was born at Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia, Ohio on February 6, 1981. The daughter of Joan and Willie (“Skip”) Johnson Jr., Ebony was raised in a loving home with her younger brother, Willie (“Skippy”) Johnson, III. Ebony was led to Christ by Elder Keith Duvall during Vacation Bible School at an early age. She recently rededicated her life and was baptized by her beloved Bishop; aka “Pastor Papa Sheals.” Ebony graduated from Duluth High School in 1999 where she played basketball, ran track, and became a four time All-American Cheerleader. She was also a member of the Atlanta JayHawks All Star Cheer and Dance Team of Duluth, Ga., where she won numerous individual and team awards and competitions. After graduating from Armstrong State University in 2008, Ebony joined the ranks of “a family of educators” and began her teaching career with Savannah-Chatham County Schools in Savannah, Ga. She was recognized as one of the top first year teachers in the school system. In 2011, she accepted a position as a Special Education teacher at Sycamore Elementary School in Gwinnett County, but would soon take a leave of absence due to a third recurrence of colon cancer. Ebony was a fierce advocate for colon cancer awareness and the importance of screening. Ebony, her closest friends and her family spearheaded the organization of Relay for Life - Team Ebony Atlanta. Through her tireless efforts, Ebony inspired her relatives in Virginia to start a Relay for Life team of their own—“Team Ebony VA.” Over the last 4 years the teams have collectively raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society in Ebony’s honor. Ebony was known for her unique sense of humor and the way in which she attacked her fight against cancer. Ebony was an avid sports fan, especially her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Her pit bull, Vegas, was her child rather than her pet and was a source of therapy in her toughest times. She was affectionately referred to as Ebs, Ebby, CuhCuh, Superwoman, Rock Star and the truest of them all, “Our SHERO. “ Ebony smiled in the face of adversity. A daughter, sister, niece, cousin, granddaughter, friend, teacher, fighter, and survivor—all who came in contact with Ebony were inspired and impacted by her strength and perseverance. After seven years in the fight, Ebony crossed the finish line on April 27th at 10:06 p.m. at Gwinnett Medical Hospital in Lawrenceville, Ga. She left an indelible mark on the hearts of every life she touched. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… anyone who can sit in front of a doctor and be told they have cancer, get up and walk away, and then fight it with every inch of their being didn’t lose anything. So let’s try to NEVER say someone with cancer lost, if anything, they gained……and that’s some powerful stuff.” --Ebony Johnson . “When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live. So Live. Live. Fight like Hell.” Steward Scott “Not every hero wears a cape” Unknown. “Every teacher should walk into the building each day ready to give kids everything they’ve got, or they ought to be in a different profession.” Ebony Niquecole Johnson. She leaves to cherish many beautiful memories: Her parents, Joan & Willie (“Skip”) Johnson Jr.; Brother, Willie (“Skippy”) Johnson III; (Kayla – fiancé) Grandmother, Elsie Walton; Grandmother, Ruth Johnson; Aunts; Jean Ely, Minister Linda Cleveland-Harris (Andrew), Brenda Cleveland-Epps ( Berkley), Brenda Faye Johnson; Gloria Rainey (Reverend Timothy Rainey) Uncles: William (“Lee”) Cleveland, Dwight Johnson (Dorothy), Don Batchelor (Kim) First Cousins: Latisha Pegram (Wayne), William Cleveland, Jr. (Jennifer), Shy-Quon Ely II, Dwight Johnson, Jr., Tiria Rainey, Mark Rainey (Brandie), Shyra Gash (Richard), Stephanie Jones (Thomas), Cortney Cleveland and Shyron Ely God Children: Jamieson Kinder, Lincoln Kinder, & Isaiah Blaze Gash And huge circle of family, friends, and loved ones. She is preceded in death by her Grandfathers; Willie C. Johnson Sr.; William (“Sonny”) Cleveland First Cousin; Shandra Johnson I am Free Don’t grieve for me; for now I’m free I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of the day If my parting has left a void Then will it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah, yes, these things I will too miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow My life has been full, I have savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart and share with me God wanted me now, He set me free! Acknowledgement We are most grateful to God for our family and friends for your acts of kindness and love shown during these hours of sorrow. Your visits, calls, prayers and every act of kindness have given us more comfort than you will ever know. Service for Ms. Ebony Johnson of Lawrenceville, GA is Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 12 pm; Hopewell MB Church 182 Hunter St. Norcross, GA. Bishop William L. Sheals, Pastor. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Gwinnett Chapel (770) 338-5558

Tributes

Ebony Johnson

April 27, 2016