Florence Johnson-5-15-2024

Florence Amelia Johnson, a long-time Neptune, New Jersey resident, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the age of 96 in her home surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy. Florence was born on September 9, 1927 in Millville, Kentucky, to the late William Harris and Cora Peter-Harris. She was one of fifteen siblings.

Ms. Florence was employed at Jersey Shore Medical Center as a surgical supply technician until her retirement. She met her life partner, Luther Spencer in Asbury Park and moved their family to Neptune, New Jersey where they raised their 11 children together. Florence possessed a strong spiritual foundation and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank, New Jersey with her siblings.

Ms. Florence attended Apex Beauty School of Newark, New Jersey, where she was renowned as the best hairdresser. One would consider her a pioneer in hair and fashion, for Ms. Florence was ahead of her time when styling her hair and those around her. She perfected the hot comb hair press and soft curls, which could be seen flowing on her beautiful crown, with not one hair out of place.

Ms. Florence was considered an avid dancer and, although shy, could be found doing a little two-step while grooving to some of her favorite Motown tunes. Her children and grandchildren inherited her love for dancing and music, which often went hand and hand with her other favorite past-time cooking!

Ms. Florence had a passionate love affair with cooking soul food. She had a gift for jazzing up the simplest dish. She embodied the essence of a true matriarch, opening her kitchen, the heart of her home, to everyone. She often had an extra plate of food ready for those who would stop by. Her delicious homemade rolls were in high demand, often left in the kitchen after church events for many to take home. On one occasion, a caterer once tried to claim Ms. Florence’s homemade rolls as her own but was surprised when one of her nephews told her that those rolls belonged to his Aunt Florence. Not only did she master the art of soul food, she was able to master anything she cooked. She often filled in as the head cook while employed at Green Grove Nursing Center. The family dinners each Sunday rivaled holiday meals with all the trimmings. Those memories are interwoven into the fabric of her large, close-knit family, and have evolved into traditions, leaving a footprint of her legacy; for it was not only the food but the fellowship, communion, and sense of belonging that brought them together.

Countless experiences have become the hallmark of her unique life-long journey. Her indelible mark is etched in the hearts and minds of those who knew her well. Ms. Florence leaves a legacy behind that speaks to her iconic journey of triumph, faith, and perseverance, having travailed through segregation and the civil rights era. She bore witness to the nation's first Black president and lived a full and healthy life which afforded her the ability to not only live to see her 11 children, but also their children.

Florence Amelia Johnson, a loving mother, a caring sister, a devoted friend, and life partner committed to family. The family is extremely blessed to have been guided by her wisdom, strength, and intestinal fortitude during the monumental moments of their lives and are deeply grateful for the memories.

Florence is predeceased by life partner, Luther Spencer, nine sisters and four brothers, sons Michael and Douglas Johnson, daughter Melissa Green (Joseph), grandsons Yusuph Green and Keith Johnson.

She is survived by her children: Earleen Johnson of Atlanta, GA, Valerie Brooks of Los Angeles, Ca, Patricia Johnson, Neptune, NJ, Barbara Gorrell of Glassboro, NJ, Samuel Spencer (Donna) of Ocean Grove, NJ, Cheryl Hardy (James) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Larry Johnson (Wanda) of Meriden, CT, Luther Johnson of Neptune, NJ, Margaret Lawson (William) of Sumter, SC, Fannie McNeil of Sumter, SC, sister Ruth McKee of Lawrenceburg KY; her grandchildren: Keisha Marvin, Jamaul Green (Minda), Samuel Spencer, Kendra Johnson, Jarreau Brooks, Harry Carter (Mana), Charde Gorrell, Susanna Spencer, Steven Reyes, Josiah Spencer, Leslie Pihonak, Wesley Haynes, Terry Edwards (Kelvin), Elbert Mack McNeil (Kathy), Yvette McNeil Graves, Yvonne McNeil, Timothy Lawson, Joy Lawson, Ta-Tanisha Pierre, and Gena Cagle, and a host of great-grandchildren who continue her legacy.