Mildred S. Johnson

Mildred S. Johnson was born on April 16, 1945, in Grady, Arkansas, to the late Johnnie and Georgia Jordan. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church in Grady under the leadership of Reverend G. L. Shaw. Mildred received her education in the Grady Public School System and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Grady, Arkansas, in 1965.

Following graduation, Mildred met James E. Johnson. In 1968, she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she and James were united in holy matrimony and began building their life and family together. Although Mildred initially found it difficult to adjust to Cleveland’s winter weather, having arrived during a stretch of seemingly endless snowfall, she persevered and eventually adapted to her new surroundings.

Mildred’s compassionate and nurturing spirit naturally led her to pursue a career in healthcare. She completed a State Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA) certification program and secured employment at Menorah Park in Beachwood, Ohio. Through her dedication, patience, and commitment to caring for others, she faithfully served there for 30 years before retiring in 2004. Her years of service reflected the kindness and genuine concern for others that defined her life.

Mildred found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed reading, listening to music—especially reggae—exploring different places throughout the city, visiting Amish country, and, above all, cooking. Cooking was more than a pastime for Mildred; it was a way of expressing love, preserving family traditions, and bringing people together. She welcomed anyone who wanted to learn and took special delight in sharing her recipes with her grandchildren.

The holidays held a special place in Mildred’s heart. She loved gathering her grandchildren in the kitchen to prepare the family feast, making memories that would last a lifetime. Once the meal was served, she proudly recalled which grandchild had helped prepare each dish and would brag about how delicious everything turned out. Through these cherished traditions, Mildred passed down more than recipes; she shared her love, wisdom, and the importance of family.

Mildred never met a stranger. Her warm personality, welcoming spirit, and genuine interest in others drew people to her wherever she went. She cultivated meaningful, lasting friendships throughout her life and maintained a special connection with her former coworkers through the Menorah Park Retirees’ Birthday Club. She continued calling and meeting with fellow retirees each month until declining health made participation more difficult. The friendships she nurtured were a testament to the lasting impression she made on those fortunate enough to know her.

In her final years, Mildred faced significant health challenges, including congestive heart failure, monthly paracentesis procedures, and, most recently, dialysis treatments three times a week. Despite these difficult circumstances, her journey of faith continued. During a hospital stay in March, as Mildred discussed her healthcare plan with Anthony, the Holy Spirit led him to share the message of Christ with her and offer Him as her Lord and Savior. Mildred accepted Christ and recommitted her life to Him. This precious moment brought renewed spiritual assurance and stands as a meaningful part of her life and legacy.

Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James E. Johnson; her parents, Johnnie and Georgia Jordan; nine brothers, Martin Luther Jordan, Eddie “Doomey” Jordan, Lonnie Jordan, Johnnie Jordan Jr., Theodis Jordan, Eddie Lee Jordan, Thomas Jordan, Donzell Jordan, and Arthur Lee Jordan; and three sisters, Georgia Lee Shavers, Hellean Washington, and Dortha Mae Booker.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory and continue her legacy of love her children, Anthony (Kimberly) Johnson and Cassandra “Nikki” Johnson; eight grandchildren, Krystle Mullen, Melissa Anderson, Robyn (Chad) Medley, Kristopher Mullen, Candace Johnson, Ciara Johnson, Calvin “CJ” Jackson III, and Nakaiya Jackson; and seven great-grandchildren, Kylie Sanders, Craig Sanders Jr., Zola Sanders, Cavion Medley, Carter Medley, Blake Hildreth, and Kyro Mullen.

She also leaves to cherish her memory three sisters, Erma Jean Jordan, Marie Jordan, and Barbara Jordan, and two brothers, Henry Jordan and Bruce Jordan, all of Little Rock, Arkansas. Her memory will also live on through a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched along the way.

Mildred S. Johnson will be remembered for her unwavering perseverance, compassionate heart, generous spirit, love of family, treasured friendships, and renewed faith in Christ. Her kitchen was a place of love, her home was a place of welcome, and her life was a testament to the beauty of caring for others. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created, the traditions she passed down, and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy of love will endure for generations to come.