Lillian Katie Johnson, 77, mother, daughter, grandmother, nurse, advocate, and friend, peacefully transitioned on May 18, 2026. She was born on June 25, 1948, in Abbeville, Alabama, to the late Bishop Willie "Judge" Johnson and Evangelist Lillian Marine Barnes Johnson. As the eldest daughter of the Johnson family, she carried herself with strength, grace, wisdom, and deep love for those around her throughout her life.

Raised in a faith-filled home rooted in service, compassion, and community, Katie embodied many of the values instilled in her by her parents. She was independent, intelligent, resilient, and passionate, yet possessed a sensitive and caring spirit that drew people to her. Her life was marked by dedication to family, hard work, and helping others.

Before entering the nursing profession, Katie worked as an office administrator, where her professionalism, organization, and attention to detail quickly became evident. However, she later discovered her true calling in healthcare and became a Licensed Practical Nurse, dedicating her life to caring for others with compassion and dignity. Throughout her distinguished nursing career, she served patients and communities through her work at Vineland Developmental Center, Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Greenwood Nursing Home, the New Jersey Department of Corrections, Glades General Hospital, the Tampa Police Department, and as a traveling visiting nurse for many years. Her work touched countless lives, and she was deeply respected by colleagues, patients, and families alike.

Katie was also a proud and active advocate for working people. For many years, she was a member of AFL-CIO and AFSCME, where she enjoyed attending conferences, advocating for others, engaging in civic discussions, and meeting political leaders. She believed strongly in fairness, dignity, and the importance of standing up for people whose voices often went unheard.

Her commitment to fellowship and service extended into the community as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey in Union, New Jersey. She valued sisterhood, faith, and community connection, and she carried herself with dignity and purpose in every space she entered.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Katie truly cherished life. She loved her family deeply and found joy in cooking meals that brought loved ones together, expressing herself through fashion and style, dancing with spirit and elegance, and traveling to experience new places and people. She had a presence that was both commanding and warm — strong enough to lead, yet gentle enough to comfort.

Above all, Katie loved her family. Her wisdom, humor, encouragement, and unwavering support will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children: Wanda Ann Johnson, Marene M. Jordan (Robert), Robert H. Bishop (Meghan), and Jerrid J. Douglas (Tyniesha); her cherished grandchildren: Keith Johnson, Tyree Jordan, Katrina Lister, Raheem Bishop, Renee Bishop, Amber Bishop, Tiana Bishop, Markella Bishop, Tyler Douglas, Taylor Douglas, Justin Douglas, and Julian Douglas; her loving sisters, Diane Johnson-Hall and Deborah Johnson-Mitchell; and was predeceased by her brothers, Willie Ed Johnson and Howard Johnson, and her sister, Patricia Johnson. She also leaves to cherish her memory her god-son, Sherron Thomas.

Katie also leaves behind her treasured lifelong friends, Ruby Daniels and Harriet Hill, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by her compassion, wisdom, strength, and love.

Her legacy of service, resilience, elegance, faith, advocacy, and devotion to family will continue for generations to come.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Saturday, June 6th From 10:00 – 11:00 am at New Life in Christ Ministries 895 Delsea Drive, Malaga, NJ 08328, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow in Cedar Green Cemetery, Clayton.