Mother Helen June Johnson

Helen June Royal was born in Arlington, West Virginia to Johnny Royal and Rose Arnold on June 28, 1931. Helen grew up in Worth, West Virginia and attended Elkhorn High School, where she met and in 1950, married the love of her life, Henry Johnson, also of Worth. To this union were born five children: two sons, Nathaniel and Kenneth, and three daughters, Althia Marie, Theresa and Lisa –all who relocated to Columbus Ohio during Helen’s early adulthood.

Helen Johnson was the matriarch of her family, a pillar of her church, and a staple in the Shepard community of Columbus. Mother Johnson, affectionately called Big Mamma, was a lifelong member of New Generation Church, formally Consolidated Baptist Church. Sister Johnson faithfully served as a nurse and an usher for her church for many years. Her reach of ministry expanded to her residence and her community. She loved to travel (especially with her church sisters), to plant and garden at home, and shop. She was fun-loving, full of wit, and known for her big heart and endless generosity. Her home was open to anyone in need. She never hesitated to provide love, strength and a warm meal. All who knew Helen knew her as a “realist” who had no problem telling someone off or telling it like it is.

On October 4, 2020, at the blessed age of 89, Helen Royal Johnson received her heavenly robe, after enduring a chronic health condition for many years. The heavenly host awaiting her arrival included her parents, devoted husband, son Nathaniel (Barbra) Johnson, daughters Althia Marie Richardson and Lisa (James) Bowman, and recent grandson James “BJ” Bowman Jr. Left to carry forth her legacy and to cherish her loving memory are son Kenneth (Gladys) and daughter Theresa Johnson, son-in-law Walt Richardson, 5 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren, sister in law Henrietta Mack, special cousin Evelyn Hagwood, nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

PRIVATE Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Monday, October 12, 2020 at New Generation Church 1173 Essex Ave, Columbus, OH 43201.

A MASK AND TICKET IS MANDATORY.