Rosa A. Johnson

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Rosabelle Johnson, daughter of the late Willis and Katie Allen, was born on March 30, 1921 in the Ingram Township section of Four Oaks, North Carolina. She was the fifth of nine children, including Beadie Williams, Mattie Williams, Mazie Williams, Katie McLean, Betty Robinson, Willis Allen, Jr., Emma 'Dollbaby' Warren, and Matthew 'M.C.' Allen.
She attended Johnston County Training School where she was an avid basketball player and graduated in the class of 1941. After graduation, she ventured to Washington, DC., seeking a better life. A few months of living in the big city with her Uncle Miles, ultimately proved unfulfilling, and she returned to her paradise in Smithfield, North Carolina.
It was there that she met the love of her life, Weldon 'Stretch' Johnson, and married in 1943. To this union, two children were born, Lois Allen Johnson and Vivian Sue Grantham of Washington, DC.
Her employment began at John Thompson's Fish Market and continued at the Glamour shop and Burlington Mills, where she later retired.
She was a very outspoken and energetic woman who participated in several organizations, including The Social Savings Club, The Homemakers Club, Hickory Grove Mothers' Board, JCTS PTA, and JCTS Alumni. She also worked the voting polls here in Smithfield until she lost her sight to glaucoma. Additionally, she was a life-long member of Hickory Grove Church and Word of Faith Ministries.
Rosabelle Johnson is survived by her daughter, Vivian Grantham, of Washington, DC; her granddaughter, Jina Johnson, of Fort Lee, NJ; her brother, Matthew 'M.C.' Allen, of Neptune, NJ; her sister-in-law, Lettie Allen of Selma, NC; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2018, she departed this life for her heavenly home at the age of 96.


Visitation:
Tuesday, February 27
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Word of Faith Church of Deliverance
4658 Devils Racetrack Rd,
Four Oaks, NC 27524

Funeral Service:
Tuesday, February 27
12:00 PM
Word of Faith Church of Deliverance
4658 Devils Racetrack Rd,
Four Oaks, NC 27524

Interment:
Tuesday February 27
Selma Memorial Gardens
Selma, NC 27576