Sheila RUFFIN Johnson

On Saturday November 2nd, we gathered at First AME Zion Church to Celebrate the life of Sheila C. Johnson, one of God’s “Earth Angels.” Sheila was a Godly woman who loved the Lord and was in turn loved dearly by the Johnson family, her Church Families and Friends. I, along with others, was Blessed and Privileged to have been in “lifelong friendship” with Sheila for 79 years at the time of her passing.

We, the core group of “lifelong friends”who were able to be present, came with the aide of canes, walkers and the steady arms of loved ones: Ardelia Wright, Gwen Lisboa, Hurlan Mounday, Sharon Johnson, Gerald Nutter, (still standing but not present) Leanor Johnson, Carole Foster Hall, Stephanie and Joe Dangerfield and Toni Dunbar. We celebrated Sheila for being the fervent Prayer Warrior, Teacher, Mother, Grandmother, Businesswoman, and Friend that she was. We grew up together, and actually walked to school together, declaring ourselves to be the Forest Avenue Walking Club.

Through the years we attended elementary school, Washington junior high school, John Muir High School and even attended Cal State LA together (Sheila, Ardelia, Gerald and Me). Sheila was quietly in charge, “the Boss” of us, she was kind, loving, nurturing, forgiving and focused on what was most important to her, serving the Lord and encouraging her “lifelong friends”to have a right relationship with Jesus Christ and with each other. When Sheila retired as a Teacher, her first thought was what would she do with that empty time slot. In spite of vision limitations she settled into Tutoring former students and her grandsons.

Team Warren and Sheila Johnson were hard workers. Outside of their regular jobs they built a printing business that enabled them to provide a college education for their own children, to engage with local churches, businesses and to meet/serve the professional printing needs of Pasa/Alta community organizations. Because Warren is brother to Fred Johnson, who was married to my sister Flara Betts Johnson, my standing as lifelong friend was elevated to family member. The Johnsons, the Betts’, the Jenkins, the Hillstocks, and the Turners were bonded in love and fellowship. We worshipped together at First AME Zion Church, attended the Annual Johnsons Picnics in Arcadia, cooked/bbq, held taco parties, played Bid Whist, and participated in all things JMHS/Mustangs.

Sheila always urged her “lifelong friends” to attend our 1963 Reunions, to represent and report back to her. Note that her transition was on October 11th and our Class Reunion was October 12th. Sheila C. Johnson valued the “lifelong friendships” that we formed and sustained. Praise God! Our hearts were filled with Joy as we sat in the sanctuary, just smiling at the thought that Sheila was freed from pain and walking all over God’s Heaven.

Now, take your Rest In Peace, and in the Loving Arms of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

From Betty Betts-turner