Tommie Lee Johnson

Precious Memories

Deaconess Tommie Lee Johnson

Tommie Lee Johnson, born November 26, 1929, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, was the first-born child to the marriage of the late Hattie Mae Hudson and Andrew Collins, Sr. She always behaved as their first-born - always in charge, fearless, and laser-focused, with an “I can do anything through Christ that strengthens me” attitude based on Philippians 4:13, which became her favorite Bible verse. She believed and loved that verse, “I can do all things,” and so she did with God’s help.

From childhood through adulthood, she always exhibited strong leadership qualities. As a child, she was always with her mother and joyfully helped in the care of her brother Andrew Collins Jr. As a teenager, she stayed close to her mother, always helping with household chores, including cooking and cleaning.

Tommie and her family spent their earlier years in Memphis, Tennessee, and later in Chicago, Illinois. During those early years, she instinctively knew the values of discipline and education while focusing on ways to develop her God-given talents and acquired skills. She graduated from Englewood High School in Metro Chicago and eventually decided to pursue a professional career in healthcare. Again, knowing she could do all things, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential from Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver, Colorado.

Tommie was always an achiever draped in elegance, quiet decorum, and known as a “Get things done,” leader that knew “She could do all things” with the strength of God. Before moving to Denver, she married the love of her life (her former neighbor in Memphis), Mr. Samuel W. Johnson Sr., on June 25, 1949. Samuel was a level-headed, smooth, tall, dark and handsome man who knew what he wanted when he saw her– and this time it was Tommie Collins, a beautiful, classy, self- assured, and ultra feminine lady. To their marriage, four children were born: Sandra, Debra, Samuel Jr., and James.

Tommie was the ultimate homemaker, and she knew “the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Tommie knew how to “Bring home the bacon and how to fry that bacon in a pan.” As a child, she watched and learned from her mother’s expert ways to clean, cook, and make a magnificent home for the family. She loved and cared for her family while encouraging her children to participate in a variety of activities, and she served as the leader for many of the groups.

Samuel Sr. and Tommie Johnson’s marriage was filled with love, laughter, family activities, travel, and dancing. They taught their children that the keys to a happy life were respect, education, honest hard work, and kindness to everyone. Tommie was a gifted, talented, resourceful, helpful, energetic, and joyful person to know as a wife, mother, nurse, neighbor, and Christian woman. She spent 30-plus years as a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver. Her patients and hospital administrators adored her attention to detail and unique bedside care.

Samuel Sr served many years until death as a seasoned Deacon at New Hope Baptist Church. Tommie loved her work as a Deaconess and served as Chairperson of New Hope’s Deaconess Board until she developed mobility issues. She served in many capacities at New Hope elevating the need and joy involved in serving, and teaching others about the Lord. She especially loved working as Cookie Sale Chair for her neighborhood Girl Scouts Troop, chairing unique events, and serving in various choirs, including the Mission Bells. She spent her latter years serving God, her family, and New Hope Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel W. Johnson, Sr.; her mother, Hattie Mae Pratt; her father,   Andrew Collins Sr,; and her brother, Andrew Collins Jr.

Deaconess Tommie Lee Johnson departed this life on January 22, 2024, in Aurora, Colorado.  Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include two sons, Samuel S. (Margarita) Johnson, Jr., and James H. Johnson; 2 daughters, Sandra J. (John T.) Jones and Debra A. Johnson; 1 sister, Pastor Dianne Marshal-Young; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.  

This church, this city and this community will always miss but never forget the smile and service of Deaconess Tommie Johnson. We will always love her spirit and remember her priceless contributions. To us, she remains, once, twice, three, and even four times, a Lady, and we will always love her sweet spirit.