As recorded in Proverbs 31:10 and 25, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies…Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.” That time of rejoicing came for Lucille B. Johnson in the early morning on the 9th day of June, 2021, when she was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Lucille was born in Bear Creek, N.C., on December 7, 1932, to the late Ernest Thurman Hanner and Evie Marsh Hanner. She and her 11 brothers and sisters were raised in a loving home. They were a tight-knit group who worked — and played — during the week, went to church on Sundays, and looked out for one another.
She graduated from what is now J.S. Waters School and years later attended CCCC, completing the Nursing Assistant Program. She courted and married Charlie Baldwin Jr. and they were blessed with five children. After marriage, she remained in the family home where she had grown up. There, she took care of her mother and raised her children to be kind and respectful of others. She was a gentle, compassionate, and loving woman, who many sought for advice, or a listening ear, or a simple hug that assured them everything was going to be all right. In later years, Lucille was happily married to Lonnie R. Johnson, who preceded her in death.
During her working years, Lucille was employed with several local companies, including Boling Chair Company and Quality Molded; however, she derived the most satisfaction from her work with the Child Care services she provided in her home. Many people in the area took comfort in knowing they were leaving their children in good hands when they went to work.
Lucille was a member of the Bear Creek Community Savings Club, and she was a registered and avid voter. She was a wonderful cook and will be remembered for her peach and strawberry cobblers and her molasses cake. She enjoyed sharing these and other treats with her family and folks in the community.
Above all else, Lucille was a devout Christian who began her walk with God at an early age. As a faithful member of Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, she served as Sunday School Teacher for the Beginner and Primary classes; leader of the Buds of Promise Department; Director of the Tots Choir; member of the Centennial Gospel Singers, Life member of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, and member of the Durham District Lay Council. She was a virtuous woman who was loved by so many, and who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Heaven has gained an angel.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and 10 siblings. She leaves with cherished memories, her daughters, Sharon Luanne Nettles (Phillip), Loretta Nettles, Myra Kearney (Mike), Jacqueline Waddell (General), and son, Kenneth Baldwin; a special sister, Bonnie Reaves; eight grandchildren, Candice Nettles, Amber Hester (Curtis), General Waddell (Daneque), Kyle Nettles, Cordea Nettles, Brittany Nance, Clay Nance (DeLisa), and Amber Kearney; seven great-grandchildren, Laila Waddell, YaShari Waddell, Aria Williams, Alex Williams, Elijah Hester, Raegan Hester, Gabriel Colon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held at Centennial AME Zion Church on Sunday, June 13. Granddaughters and nieces served as flora bearers. Grandsons and nephews served as pall bearers.
We, the family of Lucille B. Johnson, wish to express our sincere gratitude for the love shown us during the illness and passing of our beloved mother. Your presence, prayers, and many acts of kindness have truly touched our hearts, lifted our spirits, and helped to sustain us during this time. We pray for God’s blessings on each one of you.
Special thanks to Bonnie Reaves for lovingly keeping “Nay” company; to Lisa and Tony Marsh, and Clyde and Debbie Harris for their love and support; and to Thompson and Little Company for the use of their transportation services.