GLORIA MAY JOHNSON

It was July 14, 1933, that Gloria May Johnson the fourth child was born to the late Pink Johnson and
Mary Moore Johnson in New Orleans, LA. Being brought up in a Christian home, she and her siblings
accepted Christ at an early age and were baptized at Greater New Guide Baptist Church in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. Her mother, an industrious and expert seamstress, exposed Gloria to quilt making and
clothing construction which she passed on to her daughters.

Gloria enjoyed a very close bond with her mother and her one and only sister as she grew up in a
community surrounded by close relatives. She had a melodious voice and played the piano, which were
two more distinguished traits passed down to her daughters.

After graduating from Capitol High School in Baton Rouge, LA she continued her education by attending
Southern University where, after her Sophomore year, she decided to be adventurous and move to
California and reunite with her Sterling family including her uncles, aunts, and biological father - Chris
Sterling, Jr. Her only regret was leaving her favorite aunt Vera behind. It was also at this time that she
met the man who would become her husband, a Navy man, by the name of Anvil Johnson. She and Anvil
were united in marriage in 1956 and from this union eight children were born. For the next several years
she fulfilled her passion and love for children as she raised her own and inspired their friends.

It was during the late sixties that Elder E.C. Ward of the 31st Street Seventh-Day-Adventist Church,
knocked on her door offering Bible lessons. Motivated by a hunger for the scriptures and a desire for a
church home for her children, she accepted the lessons and shortly thereafter Elder E.C. Ward became
the family’s pastor and 31st Street Church became their church home. Twenty-five years later her
husband joined and began serving as a deacon as she continued serving as deaconess, singing in the
choir and sometimes playing the piano until her failing health. As a praying woman, she truly enjoyed
praising and worshiping God and ministered the word to anyone that would listen.

Those who will be most profoundly deprived of her warm personality, strength and love are the
following family members; her 8 children; Anvil Lamont Johnson, John Johnson both of San Diego, CA,
Dana Johnson (Melanie) of Murrietta, CA, Quetta Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Fabiola J. Ghebresillassie
(Mihreteab), Mary Johnson, all of San Diego, Gloria Carmalina Johnson of Atlanta, GA, 11 Grandchildren;
Brooklyn, Frank, Aaron, Aman, Romel (Christina), Carly, Mari, John DeAngelo, Bowden, Braden; 7 great
grandchildren; 3 nieces, Chrystal D. Kelly, Cynthia Beardon, Carla D. Augustus; 2 Uncles, Voltaire Sterling,
Elvin Sterling; one aunt, Audrey Sterling Brown all of Baton Rouge, LA; cousin Arnold Ray Gaines of Las
Vegas, NV; cousin Diane Kelly Loggins of Yuma, AZ, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in
death by her husband, parents, brothers; George Johnson and Fred Johnson; sister, Lucille J. Dunbar; her
grandparents; Chris Sterling, Sr. and Georgia Rucker Sterling; Great Nephew Trevor Washington, Baton
Rouge, LA

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