Isabella Johnson

Isabella Johnson was born June 12, 1920 to the late Earl Purnell and Sadie Harmon, in Eastern Shore Maryland. She received her wings on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at home surrounded by her family. Six days prior she celebrated her 99 Birthday.

As a young girl, when the family moved to Baltimore she learned early the definition of responsibility. Her first job was scrubbing steps for change (coins) Growing into adulthood she carried that same work ethic in various fields of employment. Working at Glenn L. Martin plant during World War II, building the bomber planes for the war. She also worked as a seamstress but found her joy in helping the sick as a Nursing Assistant for City Hospital where she retired.

Isabella grew up understanding her role in the family being one of the eldest of 15 children she was given the task of being caregiver to her younger siblings. She would say,
“We were close, and we looked out for each other. She would share many stories of adventures during her youth, her loves and heartbreaks. Her struggles during segregation “Jim Crow” and had the courage to Forge ahead in hopes of a better life. Her most famous saying, “If your have faith and trust in god, he will move mountains for you.” Being raised in a faith-based home and having witnessed God’s goodness, is what motivated her to be of service to those in need. She’d reach out and always had time to listen without judgement to anybody. Always giving encouragement to everybody she touched, she’d feed the world if she could, saying “My daddy taught me, nobody needs ever be hungry, if we all share a little of what we have.” She lived by that.

Isabella loved life and people, especially the little people, she would have a gleam about her in their presence. She was a “Matriarch” of her Family and her entire community. Isabella Purnell Johnson you will always be remembered. We Love You

Isabella was preceded in death by her husband Theodore N. Johnson Sr. 4 children Rose (through marriage) George, Sandra and Theodore Jr. 2 grandchildren Kevin and Antoine. I great granddaughter Ashley.

She leaves to celebrate her life 4 children- Ronald, Jacqueline, Anthony, Clyde. Surrogate mother to Lil Anthony, TaRhonda and Marcus, who has since earned his wings. 22 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 16 great great grandchildren, 1 great great great grandson Shavon Brock. 2 daughter-In-Law Sheila and Yvonne, 1 Son-In-Law William Marrow-EL, 1 sister Gloria Bracey, 1 brother Thomas Purnell, A host of Nieces and Nephews whom she adored and loved dearly, An adopted grandson and Loving friend Al, Her dearest and closest friend Ms. Connie, Life long friend Ms. Sallie Marrow, Mayor Jack Young, and a community of all ages that she embraced as her extended family. 

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