Leola Johnson died May 3 at the age of 92.
She was born Dec. 3, 1929 in Akron to the late James and Carrie G. Harrell.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Johnson, and two sisters, Geneva White and Mamie (Frank) McClary.
She was educated in the public school systems of Hale County, Alabama and the Birmingham City School system in Jefferson County. In 1948, she graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham.
She moved from Akron to New York in the 1960s and lived most of her time in the East Bronx. She united with Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Manhattan and became active in the women’s ministry. She loved Mt. Zion and supported it any time she saw a need. She loved the young children of the church and they loved her, as well.
Survivors include a son, Edgar Allan Harrell of Kennesaw, Georgia; a daughter-in-law, Pearl Harrell of Jacksonville, N.C.; three grandchildren, Mombasa Harrell of Wilmington, N.C., Kevonda Grace (Jeremy) Irving, who is stationed in the United Kingdom with the U.S. Air Force, and Kenbasa Harrell; two great-grandchildren, Amiya and J.C. Irving; two devoted nieces, Carolyn Y. McClary of Akron and Jacquelyn (Lorenzo) Wilson of Tuscaloosa; a great-niece, Ulanda Denise Wilson; a great-great niece, Ibis Toole; and a host of cousins, acquaintances, and friends who will miss her dearly. Graveside services were held Saturday, May 21 at the New Akron Cemetery in Akron with the Rev. West Moore officiating and Washington and Paige Mortuary directing.
