Aida Johnson

62 years ago, on October 2, 1961, a 3rd baby girl was born to Ernest and Sentia Johnson, in La Ceiba, Honduras. Her name was Aida Alvera Johnson. She was a very healthy, strong, smart and beautiful baby girl, without any physical or mental abnormalities or disabilities whatsoever! But within the first two years of her life, Aida suffered severe emotional damages that impacted her cognitive, mental and intellectual development. The trauma she experienced in those early years was real, but praise God, the effect was only marginal. Throughout her life, Aida demonstrated the ability to function on a high level, despite her disability.

In the winter of 1966, Aida along with her two older sisters, Myrna and Heather, migrated to the United States, escorted by their loving Aunt Tia. They were very happy to be finally reunited with their parents and baby brother, Lyndon, after two long years! It was then that Aida and Lyndon became inseparable. He adored Aida and followed her everywhere she went, and she doted on him. It was precious to behold!

Aida’s educational journey (along with her siblings) began in the public school system, lasting for only one year. Her mother determined to put them in Christian school, so when they moved to Wyandanch, NY, they continued their elementary education in the Babylon SDA School, which was nearest to them. Eventually, they transferred to their own church school in Amityville NY---the Bethesda SDA Elementary School. Aida did fairly well in Bethesda. In 1976, Aida graduated from Bethesda and spent the next 3 years at Garden State Academy in Tranquility, NJ. Her last year of High School was at Greater New York Academy in Queens, NY. 

Aida had a natural talent for corn braiding hair. She braided for all her family members. She was so good at her craft that she was hired to work professionally at a nearby salon for a time, making good money. Aida also worked for different temp agencies, doing various jobs. She loved being independent and making her own money!

Aida worked at home helping her mother around the house. She especially enjoyed taking care of children and was a great help assisting her mother when her baby sister, Sharon, was born. She proved to be a valuable helper/nanny to Heather’s children, Nicole and Marlon II. Aida also worked with her mother doing domestic work outside the home. She was also very active in the various functions of her church: She was a member of the Pathfinders’ Club, involved in Welfare Ministry, sang in the Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs, over the years and willingly participated in many other church activities.

From a very young age, Aida showed musical abilities in singing. She had a low voice and could sing Alto, Tenor and even some Bass parts easily. While singing in a Ladies Group, a few years ago, she was affectionately nicknamed, “Aida-Bass!” She sang tenor with her two sisters in a trio called, “The 3 J’s” or “The Johnson Sisters.” Their ministry was truly a blessing to all who heard them! The Group, “Little Praise” (Sharon, Nicole and Marlon II) was organized and directed by Aida. She loved music and working with children, especially her nieces and nephew.

Aida loved writing out scriptures and hymns. For her, it was a way to disconnect from the world and focus on God and His love. It strengthened and sustained her faith during difficult times. It also helped her to memorize portions of the Bible.

After the death of her beloved mother in 1991, Aida struggled to have a stable and productive life. Life became increasingly difficult! Though her family rallied to help and encourage her, it became very clear that she needed something more. God in His wisdom and grace provided that help, just in time. 

About eleven years ago, Aida became a resident of Orange Grove Center (OGC) in Chattanooga, TN, which is a program that provides holistic support for families whose loved ones are Intellectually and developmentally disabled, on some level. Aida ‘s time at OGC promoted stability, purpose and some independence in her life. She worked in several job programs that she loved and was paid for her labor! She was able to organize her life in a more consistent way and looked forward to each new day. For the first time since her mother’s death, her family watched her thrive rather than just survive. 

On April 25, 2024, our beloved Aida underwent surgery to remove fibroid tumors that were growing excessively in her body. During the surgery, cancer was discovered! The cancer was a rare and aggressive kind, and she was given six months to a year to live. Aida’s family was devastated at the news! Many prayers for healing ascending to God on her behalf, but God had something better for Aida. It was His perfect will that she should rest in peace at this time. 

Aida Alvera Johnson had a gentle spirit that endeared her to everyone she met. Her laughter was infectious and she in turn, made others laugh with her unpretentious, guileless, straight-faced humor (Aida was VERY funny and would make you laugh until you cried)! But though she was suffering intense pain, distress, loss of appetite, confusion and exhaustion, Aida’s faith in God was the strength and bulwark of her life; her faith endured to her very last breath. Her family, friends and staff are encouraged by the following testimony:

Her last words to her sister, Heather, who asked if she was afraid to die, were very impacting and transparent: “No.” Aida said. Pressing the question a little stronger, Heather said, “are you sure, Aide?” Aida replied calmly, with no fear, “No. I just want nothing between my soul and MY Savior!” What more can be said? Aida had found true rest.

We all mourn the loss of Aida: Her quiet smile and gentle ways; her infectious laugh and straight forward humor; her low, melodious tenor voice; her love of music; her love of children, family, friends and staff; her dedication to write out and memorize God’s Word and sacred hymns; her faithfully watching Christian programs on the 3 Angels Broadcasting Network Channel; her generosity and kindness in giving to others; her wise counsel and advice; her zest and eagerness to go out and enjoy various holidays with her sisters, brother-in-law, niece, nephew and friends; her yearning request for us to blow the car horn as we drive off, while she stood gazing intently as we disappear into the horizon; her fervent prayer life; her inadvertently sharing her faith with those who were taking care of her---Aida truly lived up to the truth she believed, to the best of her ability and with the help of God. And though she faltered, fell and even failed at times, she made sure to make it right with God and others before breathing her last. 

We have the blessed assurance that our dear sister, auntie and friend is just sleeping, awaiting her Redeemer’s trumpet call, when her Savior, Jesus Christ, resurrects her to be reunited with her loved ones, once again. We look forward with GREAT anticipation and longing desire to see Aida soon; clothed in the immortal glory of God; never to know pain, suffering and sadness anymore! Let us ALL be faithful to that wonderful end, is our prayer…

Aida was preceded in death by her Parents, Ernest and Sentia Johnson; her Aunts and Uncles, Ulitt and Ruby Johnson; Lawrence and Sylvia Johnson; her Cousins, Nella, Gladys, Ruthie, Ricky (Wilburt and Newton?), Ralph and Cellierose. 

Aida is survived by her Siblings, Myrna Johnson-Bell (Anthony); Heather Johnson-James (Marlon, Sr); Lyndon Johnson (Julie); Sharon Johnson; her Niece and Nephew, Nicole James and Marlon James II; her Cousins, Lawrence Johnson, Jr; Robert Johnson, Sr (Elvia); Hewbert Johnson.

Aida also leaves behind numerous relatives and extended family members, church family members, friends and coworkers. 

“AND IF I GO…I WILL COME AGAIN, AND RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF;

THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO…”

JOHN 14:3

A Funeral Service for Aida will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 12:30 PM ET at the Wildwood Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at the church starting from 10:30 AM ET until the service begins. Following the service, Aida will be laid to rest at Lakewood Memory Gardens - East, located in Chattanooga, TN.