Eartha Lee Johnson

EARTHA LEE JOHNSON, 99, entered peacefully into eternal rest on December 7, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by love and comfort. She was born on September 21, 1926, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to the late Mr. John Isaac Porter and Ms. Ella Francis Hickson. From her earliest years, Eartha embodied strength, perseverance and a strong determination that shaped the course of her life.

Married to James E. Johnson, Sr for 41 years, she had 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. 

Upon graduating from Stamford high school class of 1944, Eartha went on to attend Johnson C Smith College in Charlotte, NC. She began her career as a machinist working for Zenith TV in Brooklyn, NY; one of the first televisions on the market.  She was an assembly line worker and was later promoted to production supervisor. In 1978 she became a card-carrying member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Lodge #902, in Stamford, CT. Her career included working for Data Products and she retired from Machletts, Inc.

Eartha, an enduring member of Bethel AME, Stamford, CT., moved to Columbus, Oh and joined Bethel AME here in 1990.  Soon after, she joined the Stewardess Board and remained a faithful member to the end.

She was a lifetime member VFW Post 10446 Women’s Auxiliary in Stamford, CT and Post 3764 Women’s Auxiliary in Columbus, OH where she served in a long-term position of Treasurer for both auxiliaries. She was also a member of the Retired Armed Forces Association (R.A.F.A.), Chapter 2, Branch 1; and a member of the American Legion Post #690.  When it came to fun, Eartha had two loves Bid Whist and the Eldorado Scioto Downs Casino.

Eartha was preceded in death by her parents John Isaac Porter and Ella Francis Hickson, husband James Edward Johnson Sr., and daughter Cynthia Diane, and great grandson Latavyn Cornelius.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Sandra ( John) Cephas, her son James Edward, Jr.; Her grandchildren James, III (Trey); Kelly (Monty) Cephas-Hill; Leo (Ashley) Lamont; Jason (Celeste) Cephas; Algie Ahmad and Elijah James.

Greatgrandchildren Jasmyn Johnson, Xhiona Anastasia, Layanna Cynthia; La’zhiyah Carnae; Sydney Johnson, Pierce Leigh Cephas, Jahlile Tairee Cephas, Preston Montravius Hill, Jevinah Diane Johnson, Aubrey Nicole, and Leo Lamont, II.  As well as many other relatives, church family and friends.  Eartha’s favorite scriptures were Psalms 23 and Psalms 121:1-2, And her favorite song was “I Won’t Complain.”

Eartha leaves behind a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to inspire and uplift her family and all who were blessed to share in her journey.  The family celebrates her long, beautiful life and takes comfort in knowing she has now entered peaceful rest.

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