Johnson, Jonnie Emery's Obituary
Mrs. Jonnie Emery Johnson was born on December 15, 1932, in Alexandria,
Louisiana to James Emery, Sr. and Waxie Harris Emery. Her Christian
foundation was firmly established when she was baptized at True Vine
Missionary Baptist Church. There, in the 5 grade, she began playing as the
sole pianist during World War II.
Jonnie attended Peabody High School in Alexandria before continuing her
education at Southern University in Baton Rouge. While attending Southern
University, Jonnie became a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated
through the Beta Psi Chapter, eventually affiliating with the Alpha Nu Omega
Chapter in Oakland and becoming a Lifetime Member. She also became a
Lifetime Member of the Southern University Alumni Federation.
In 1954, after graduating from Southern University with a Bachelor of Music
Education degree, Jonnie began teaching music at Carter C. Raymond School
in Lecompte, Louisiana. Jonnie continued her distinguished career as a music
educator with the Los Angeles School District. Jonnie’s talent also opened
doors for her to perform across the U.S. as well as internationally.
Jonnie joined the United Methodist Church in the 1950s and faithfully served
churches as a pianist, organist, choir member, and youth chorus leader into her
80s. Her commitment to nurturing future generations was evident in her
service on the Board of Directors of the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra,
where she supported music education and artistic excellence for youth.
Jonnie met James “Jim” Johnson while taking graduate courses at UC
Berkeley, an institution Jonnie and Jim promoted and supported for decades.
They married in April 1958. While pursuing her own music career, Jonnie
supported Jim in his career, moving five times in 13 years. Later on, they
founded JAE Properties Inc, where Jonnie served as its secretary until her
passing.
Together Jonnie and her husband explored numerous countries, attended ten
Olympic Games from Montreal (1976) to London (2012). It was at the London
games where they watched their grandson, Kibwe, compete in the hammer
throw. Through their travels, they embraced diverse cultures, creating
cherished memories throughout their 68 years of marriage.
Jonnie was preceded in death by her parents, James Emery, Sr. and Waxie
Harris Emery, her brother, James Menard Emery, Jr, and most recently her
beloved cousin and friend, Norma Patrick.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, James “Jim” Johnson;
their sons, Alfred and Edmund; Edmund’s spouse, Cheryl; her grandchildren,
Kibwe Johnson, Trevor Johnson, Trevor’s spouse Diana; Aliyyah Johnson,
Aliyyah’s spouse Allison, Alexander Johnson, Alyssa Johnson, and Paityn
Johnson; her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Marie Johnson, Ruby Emery
Johnson, and Amara Kaye Johnson; along with a host of nieces, nephews,
extended family members, devoted Sorors, former students, and cherished
friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Jonnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jonnie?
Share a story where Jonnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jonnie you’ll never forget.
How did Jonnie make you smile?