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Mrs. Essie Mae Johnson of 972 Shoemaker Road in the New Harmony Community passed away February 21, 2013, in Augusta, Georgia.

Mrs. Johnson, a native of Troup County, was born January 1, 1927, and was the daughter of the late John Billingslea and Ada Heard Billingslea. She was a 1947 graduate of Tenth Street High School and was retired from Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley as a Licensed Practical Nurse after 26 years of service. After retirement she worked at local nursing homes and was often called upon in the community to answer questions about health issues.

She was married to Columbus Johnson on June 24, 1947. There union lasted for 64 1/2 years. Four children were born to their union. He preceded her in death in 2012.

She was a recipient of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Humanitarian Award, the New Harmony Woman of the Year, and the 2012 Bethlehem Baptist Church Heritage Award.

Mrs. Johnson was a lifelong and faithful member of New Harmony C.M.E. Church. She served on many boards and auxiliaries including serving as church secretary for 25 years, President of the Stewardess Board for more than 40 years, the Missionary Society and member of the Senior and Combined Choirs.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters: Jewell Martin, Hampton, GA; Margaret Elaine Crawley, West Point; two sons: Larry Johnson, West Point; Rev. Christopher (Linda) Johnson, Augusta, GA; goddaughter, LaShawn (Edward) Gibson; six grandchildren: Maya (Shawn) Thomas, Broken Arrow, OK; Christy (Roderick) Robinson, Valley, AL; Todd Crawley, Austell, GA; Michael Martin, Bloomington, IL; Christopher Johnson II, Augusta, GA; David Johnson, Augusta, GA; two great-grandchildren; two god-sons; nieces, nephews, dedicated friends and co-workers: Rosa Lee Barber, Flora Jackson, Edward, Wilma Atkinson, Mildred Miller and Ardell Winston.

The Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 1:00PM at the New Harmony C.M.E. Church, Adams Road. Rev. John Pollard will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will be at their home and will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 until 7:30.

Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakesdunsonrobertson.com.

Lakes-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.