How do you say Happy Birthday to a living legend? A woman of God who has lived through the administrations of 16 US presidents and 68 A.M.E. Zion bishops; who has served her church in every lay capacity on all levels of the church; one who has been a mentor, servant, teacher, and watchwoman of the community in which she lives was celebrated on her 100th birthday. On Saturday, February 17, 2024, Mrs. Posey Johnson was honored as she reached her milestone 100th birthday. Her St. Andrew A.M.E. Zion Church family, pastored by Rev. Patricia Smith, executed a stellar birthday celebration orchestrated by the honoree. Fashionably attired in the colors of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, royal blue and white, and a mink jacket. Mrs. Johnson was escorted by her nephew Edward Smith, who had flown in from California for this occasion as a surprise, and family members to the accompaniment of We Have Come This Far By Faith. Reverend Patricia Smith gave an open arms welcome followed by a devotion of 1 Corinthians 15:1-13, prayer, and Love Lifted Me.
Mr. Willie Nixon paid tribute with It’s Your Time. Mrs. Connie Morrison, a great-niece of the honoree, gave the Statement of the Occasion. She gave thanks to the honoree for the value she placed on family, for helping to provide spiritual guidance, and for teaching her how to make pies. Mrs. Nannie Mapson, a contemporary, read Mrs. Johnson’s favorite poem Myself by Edgar Guest.
Accolades and tributes gave witness to a life of service to every quarter of her family, the church, the community, and her profession of teaching.
The Johnson family presented valued memories of knowing their Aunt Posey and presented a financial gift to St. Andrew A.M.E, Zion Church, in her honor, as well as floral arrangements and cards to their aunt. The family spokesman characterized her as valuing education, as evidenced by the degrees she holds: A BA degree (Born Again), a Master's degree (Jesus Christ is her master); an MBD degree ( more blessings every day), and a Ph.D. degree (Praising Him Daily) all from Heaven’s University.
93-year-old Mrs. Pearsall of Payne Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Mt. Olive, NC, with a very sharp and clear memory, gave a glimpse of the very young Posey Johnson as she lived with her family following her graduation from Winston Salem as a young teacher in 1945. Mrs. Pearsall told the congregation that Mrs. Johnson was involved in every part of the church, from choir to Christian Education to church administration, though the mother of Mrs. Pearsall told the young Posey Smith, “You are as green as that green suit you’re wearing.” As memories came floating back, she concluded by saying Mrs. Posey was just like a member of the family.
Mrs. Johnson became a member of St. Andrew as the wife of Reverend R.W. Johnson. The tributes from St. Andrew A.M.E. Zion Church came from the leaders of each of the church departments, who were sitting reflections of her church work as a faithful, loyal, stalwart church member. Letters from Senior Bishop Kenneth Monroe and the Board of Bishops gave thanks to God for her longevity as a” gracious act of God.” Bishops Proctor and Battle (retired) sent letters of congratulations and admiration for her work. Presiding Elder Dr. Alexander Jones called her a real church person. One in which the church lives within. Presiding Elders from the Goldsboro and Lumberton Districts also sent letters of tribute. Former members of her Sunday School class remembered her for her attention to detail and “wanting to do things in the right way,” especially when using the King’s English. Her method of discipline was to become quiet.
The WH&OMS of the Wilmington District launched a campaign to generate 100 birthday cards. President Delma Jones said the goal was more than accomplished. Not to mention the many. many gifts that were presented. Cards and acts of kindness are still arriving at the church.
Tributes from local government officials, New Hanover County, and the City of Wilmington were given.
Professional tributes came from New Hanover Retired Teachers, Ministers Spouses, Widows and Widowers, Ministers Wives and Widows, Miss Juneteenth, her alma mater, Winston Salem State University, and the state and local branch of the NAACP.
The local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta tribute encircled Mrs. Johnson, and she joined them in singing the Zeta Phi Beta Hymn. In addition, they have begun a Posey Johnson Scholarship for students who graduate from a high school in Brunswick, New Hanover, or Columbus County and attend an HBCU.
Mr. Lawrence Epps brought congratulations from her alma mater, Winston Salem State University, using the university’s hymn and from the interim chancellor of the university, Dr. Anthony Graham.
The music for this occasion featured I’ll Make It Somehow by M and L Gospel Singers Mychal Robinson and LeRon Montgomery; the piano virtuoso of Mychal Robinson; and Marva Robinson sang This is My Time and If I Can Help Somebody at the request of Mrs. Johnson.
Mrs. Johnson, in her most eloquent voice, said she was thankful for the memories and for having people in her life that were and are ‘there’ for her. She said she had been blessed all of her life. “I have not been a saint; I’ve had my ups and downs, but I have looked and continue to look to God for strength. I advise you all always to trust Him. Hold to His unchanging hand and bountiful grace. Thank all of you for being the sunshine of my life.”
Following the program, a birthday dinner featuring Mrs. Johnson’s favorite dishes was served in the fellowship hall. Tributes, thank-you’s, and gifts were continued digitally from former pastors, her roommate, and persons who could not be present.
Mrs. Posey Johnson has seen the election of 16 Presidents of the United States, 68 Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church, wars, and technological advances from the radio to the internet. Yet, she still mentors, participates in church and community associations as well as carries out the social obligations that she was taught as a well mannered lady. She makes the every-ready bunny look like an amateur, moving not as quickly but as focused and as deliberately with a memory that is the envy of a computer and the marvel of all who know her. May you enjoy many more Happy Birthdays!
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