Obituary

The Life and Legacy of Alberta L. Johnson

On January 24, 1945, Alberta was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Ernest Johnson and Rosa Lee Casey-Johnson. She was the seventh of eleven children, which means Alberta came into this world already knowing how to hold her own, speak her mind, and probably get a word in when she needed to be heard!

From an early age, Alberta demonstrated a fierce spirit, a loving heart, and a personality that could brighten any room. She had a presence that was distinctive. You knew when Alberta was in the room—and you were probably going to know what she thought about whatever was happening in that room, too!

Alberta accepted Christ at an early age, way down in Haynes, Oklahoma, at Fountain Baptist Church. Her faith remained an important part of her life throughout the years. She faithfully served as an usher at St. John’s Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church, and Antioch Baptist Church, where she maintained her membership until her health no longer allowed her to attend. Alberta’s faith was not simply something she talked about; it was woven into the way she lived, loved, served, and cared for others.

Alberta received her early education in the Okay and Gibson Station schools and graduated in 1964 from Carter G. Woodson High School in Tullahassee, Oklahoma. During this chapter of her life, Alberta welcomed her first daughter, Laurette, beginning the journey of motherhood that would become one of the greatest roles of her life.

After high school, Alberta married and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she welcomed her daughter YaLonda. She later returned briefly to Muskogee, where her family continued to grow with the arrival of TaLisa, Stephanie, and one bouncing baby boy, Quinn. And with that, Alberta officially had her hands full!

Alberta worked furiously throughout her life, working as a cook and home health provider for many years. But if there was one place where Alberta truly ruled the kingdom, it was the kitchen.

Alberta could COOK!

She developed her own style and had a special talent for baking. She could seemingly take just about anything in the kitchen and turn it into something delicious. Her cooking was, quite simply, beyond comparison. Family and friends knew the unwritten rule: Don’t mess with Alberta while she’s in the kitchen! You could visit, you could eat, and you could compliment the food—but getting in her way was a whole different story!

Alberta was known throughout her life for her stern yet loving spirit, strength, determination, and resilience. She was the kind of woman who could give you “the look” and make you straighten up without saying a word—but she could turn around and make sure you had something to eat before you left. That was Alberta: tough love with a generous heart.

She enjoyed staying busy, cooking, and, more recently, gardening. Alberta did not meet a stranger. If you crossed paths with her, chances were good that you were no longer a stranger by the time the conversation ended. She had a way of making people feel welcome and connected.

And Alberta could TALK!

She enjoyed talking on the phone with her friends and family every single day. If you had not heard from Alberta, you might want to check your phone because there was a good chance she had already tried to call you—or was about to! Her conversations, laughter, opinions, stories, and encouragement became part of the fabric of the lives of those who loved her.

Alberta also enjoyed family reunions and gatherings, where she could spend time surrounded by the people she loved most. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to encounter her.

Alberta lived a life filled with faith, family, hard work, laughter, challenges, triumphs, good food, strong opinions, and a whole lot of love. She was one of a kind, and there will never be another Alberta.

Those Who Went Before Her

Alberta was preceded in death by her daughter, Laurette; her son, Quinn; her grandsons, Demario and Tayshon; her parents, Ernest Johnson and Rosa Lee Casey-Johnson; her brothers, Jack, Clarence, Houston, Raymond, and Vernon; and her sisters, Elizabeth, Irene, and Ernestine.

Those Who Cherish Her Memory

Alberta leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, YaLonda Berry, TaLisa Ester, and Stephanie Johnson, and a loving legacy of grandchildren:

• Laurette’s bunch: DeNeika and Domineik
• TaLisa’s bunch: LaToya, TaMika, DeMarco, Rashonda, and Terry Jr.
• Stephanie’s bunch: Louis, LaMuel, and Jordan
• Quinn’s bunch: Tanika, Jonathan, Quinsye, and Quinn Jr.

She is also survived by her siblings, including her twin brother, Albert Johnson, Calvin Jones Sr. (Charlotte), and Kenneth Lee (Gloria); her extended daughter, Patrice; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, loved ones, and dear friends.

Alberta’s life was a blessing, her memory is a treasure, and her love will continue through the generations she helped shape.

And although she is no longer here to pick up the phone, stir the pot, tend her garden, tell us what we ought to be doing, or remind us that we probably aren’t cooking it the right way—her voice, her laughter, her faith, her strength, and her love will remain with us.

Well Done.. Rest well, Moma! You have cooked, loved, worked, prayed, talked, laughed, and loved your family well. Your work here is done.