Return to flip book view
Message
A Heart That Loved Deeply On Friday, May 2, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family, Gloria Marie Thomas Johnson departed this life, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and unwavering strength. She lived her life with grace, compassion, and an ever-present warmth that touched everyone she encountered. Born on March 29, 1958, to Wright Thomas and Anna Marie Moore Thomas, Gloria was a beacon of kindness and resilience. She grew up in the nurturing community of Oakland Baptist Church, where she accepted the Lord at an early age and developed a strong foundation in faith—one that she carried throughout her life. A proud graduate of Thompkins High School’s Class of 1977, she was a Wolverine at heart, and her pursuit of education continued at Savannah Technical College. On August 1, 1977, Gloria married the love of her life, John Johnson Jr., with whom she built a beautiful family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a guiding light to her children: Natalie E. Johnson (Damion Logan), Julia (James) Eady, John Johnson III, James Johnson, and Gloria (Vernon) Sanders. Her love extended beyond her own children to her bonus daughter and niece, Danielle Jones. She cherished her grandchildren—Ricketa McClendon, Jontí Johnson, Natalie M. Johnson, John Brutcher, James Johnson Jr., Antonio Johnson Jr., Damion Johnson, Emmanuel Rose Jr., Corinne Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Mason Johnson, and Brandon Eady—as well as her four great-grandchildren; Keemari, Kelani, and Keeion McClendon; and Josie Gray Brutcher, finding joy in their laughter and accomplishments. Marshay Williams, who is a very special friend of the family. Family was Gloria’s heart, and she devoted herself to caring for her sister Deborah Thomas and nephew Wayne Thomas for many years. She shared unbreakable bonds with her siblings: Glenda Jones, Jerome Thomas, Doris Clark, Sandra Scott, Cheryl Thomas, and Bridget Thomas. Though she mourned the
loss of Patricia Brooks, Angela Peeples, and Willie Spikes, she carried their memories in her heart. Her devotion extended beyond her immediate family, as she embraced cherished relationships with her Special Aunts; Louise Grant and Annette Moore; Uncle Alonzo Brown; Special Cousins; Betty Brown, Barbara Williams, and Carolyn Rhodes. Also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in laws that she loved and adored. Gloria was a woman of unwavering faith, and her journey in Christ led her to become an esteemed member of Alpha and Omega Worship Center, Inc. for several years. Most recently, she found a spiritual home at Hope City Church Savannah, where she continued to nurture her relationship with God. She carried the wisdom of Psalms 23 in her heart, often reminding loved ones in times of need to “Put it on the 23rd Psalms.” Her words weren't just advice, they were a call to trust in God's plan. She was well-known when she was pregnant with triplets, while working at Savannah Gas Company. As she pursued through life of being a wonderful mother, she went on to Little 'S' Convenience Store and All-State Insurance Company. Lastly, she spent many years working with and loving on the children with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, before she decided to stay home to help raise her first grandson, Jontí Johnson. Her radiant spirit was evident in the way she carried herself—always expressing, “I feel like a queen.” And a queen she was—one who graced the lives of all who knew her with warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. Gloria’s life was one of service, devotion, and endless love. Though she has departed this earthly life, her presence will be forever felt in the hearts of those she touched. May her legacy shine brightly in the lives of her family and friends, and may she rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.
The Order of Service Pastor Natalie Witherspoon, Officiating Alpha & Omega Worship Center, Inc. Processional Invocation Pastor Alice Jackson Scripture Readings The Old Testament Minister Debra Powell The New Testament Reverend Dr. Debbie Pinkney Soloist Lady Monica Daughtry Reflections (three minutes, please) As a brother-in-law Mr. Robert Peeples Sr. A Tribute to Our Mother and “Grams” Musical Tribute Antonio Johnson Jr. A Tribute to Our Mother Ms. Natalie Johnson Mrs. Julia Eady & Mrs. Gloria Sanders Resolution/Acknowledgement Minister Jeneane Harris Hope City Church Savannah Selection Alpha & Omega Praise Team Eulogy & Benediction Minister LaVerne Haynes Recessional Service of Interment Magnolia Memorial Gardens 5530 Silk Hope Road Savannah, GA 31405 Repast Economic Opportunity for Savannah-Chatham Area (EOA) John H. Finney Multi-Purpose Room | 1120 May Street | Savannah, GA 31402
For Our Grandmother Grams, Your love was endless, cherished by all. Your laughter brightened every day, Your wisdom showed us the way. Your love still lives; In every hug, in every smile. You’ll be there every mile. -Your Grands To Our Beloved Mother Mom, you were our first teacher, our greatest protector, and the strongest woman we’ve ever known. Your kindness filled our lives with warmth. You taught us how to keep faith even in the hardest times. We will carry your lessons and your love with us always. Your son’s John & James My Best Friend, My Mother Mom, you weren’t just my mother—you were my best friend. You knew my heart better than anyone, and your love was the foundation of my life. You guided me with wisdom, and loved me without limits. Losing you feels like losing a part of myself, but I know your love still surrounds me. Thank you for everything, Mom. Love you, Natalie Elaine For My Mom Mom, you were my quiet strength & my biggest supporter. Your love was steady and your presence felt in every part of my life. You taught me how to find joy even in difficult times. I will truly miss you, but I know you’re still with me—guiding me, loving me, reminding me that I am never alone. I will always love you! - Julia Marie Two Glorias, One Love Gloria—her name, my own, forever love. She carried grace, she carried light, A love so strong, a heart so bright. Mom, Though now you rest beyond my view, Your name lives on in all I do. I wear it proud, I hold it true. Your heart is mine, I love YOU! Your Gloria Maenique To My Wife Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. You were my everything—my joy, my strength, my heart. Life will never be the same without you. You touched so many lives with your kindness and warmth. “Until we are together again." Glo I miss you To My Bonus Mom You raised me up since I was nine, With love and grit, your strength was mine. You taught me how to stand alone, To build, to fight, to make a home. Your lessons live in all I do. Auntie, I’m me because of you. Love Danni
A “Your Loved Ones Deserve the Very Best” 510 Stephenson Ave. | Savannah, Georgia 31405 (912) 354-6260 | www.adamsfuneralservicesinc.com © Published By: (912) 238-9646 ~ mobile (912) 604-1986 Email: trinitygraphicsinc@gmail.com Pallbearers Damion E Logan Vernon Sanders II Rickardo Jivens Terry McCombs Jr. Lance Scott Kenneth Moore Honorable Pallbearers John Johnson, III (Son) James Johnson (Son) Acknowledgements The family of Gloria Marie Johnson wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming love and support we’ve received during this difficult time. Whether you sent a card, brought food, shared a memory, made us laugh, or simply sat quietly beside us—please know that your kindness did not go unnoticed. To those who called, visited, attended the service, or kept us in your prayers, we are truly grateful. The compassion of friends and family has reminded us that we are not alone. Thank you for walking beside us. With love and gratitude, The Family of Gloria Marie Johnson Expressions of Gratitude Adams Funeral Services, Inc. Alpha & Omega Worship Center, Inc. Hope City Church, Savannah Family and Friends Cherished Family Moment From celebrating holidays to simply sitting together and sharing stories, she was the glue that held the family together. Grandchildren and great grandchildren adored her. She's always had a way of making everyone feel special.