First Lady Josephine Bernice Johnson
Great Woman of Excellence:
Former President of the International Missionary and Christian Women’s Auxiliary
First Lady Josephine Bernice Johnson, was born on July 23, 1925, to Mr. Abner and Mrs. Nellie Solomon in Detroit, Michigan. Both parents preceded her in death, along with one sister, Mrs. Inez Griffith, and four brothers, Mr. Otis Solomon, Mr. Lawrence Solomon, Mr. George Solomon and Mr. Emory Solomon, all of Detroit, Michigan.
She attended the Sampson Elementary School and graduated from the Northwestern High School in Detroit in 1943. While studying accounting at Wayne State University, she began employment as a stenographer at the War Manpower Commission in the (division of the U.S. Employment Service amid the Michigan Unemployment Compensation Commission.
At the early age of seven, Josephine was baptized in Jesus’ name under the pastorate of the late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock in Detroit, Michigan, and received the Holy Ghost at the Jesus Only Mission, pastured by the late Elder Levi Miles, also of Detroit.
Being influenced by her mother, who was known as a strong woman of faith, prayer-warrior and church-goer, the then-Sister Josephine B. Solomon participated in many activities at her home church, Bethlehem Temple. Beginning in her teen years, she began to exemplify diligence as a Christian worker through participating in youth meetings, Sunday School, Usher Board, waitress during church conventions, and other special meetings, In addition, she regularly attended scheduled prayer meetings.
Sister Solomon was considered to be a very friendly person and was acquainted with many, including a fine evangelist by the name of Elder James A. Johnson of Flint, Michigan. After courting for a number of months and seeking the Lord for guidance in choosing a mate, Josephine and James were united in Holy Matrimony on November 8, 1947. It was evident that God’s hand of approval was upon this union.
Sister Johnson, being a committed wife and dedicated woman of God, after being asked to leave her job, relinquished her employment with the Federal government and joined her husband on the evangelistic field. Preaching by request only, the young traveling evangelist and Sister Johnson went forth with the Gospel, enduring rough roads, continually witnessing and experiencing the out-pouring of God’s blessings through His people.
Sister Johnson moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1950 with her husband, who as assuming the pastorate of Bethesda Temple Church. Shortly after their arrival in St. Louis, the Johnson family began to increase. First Jacqueline Bernice, followed by Sharon Lenore, Reuben Karl, Brenda Marie, Carol Nellie, LaVerne Charise and Donna Rose (deceased May 13, 1992).
At the Bethesda Temple Church, Sister Johnson was involved in many areas, some of which were, usher, missionary, choir, radio announcer, hostess to many guests who were either visitors to the church or were just “passing through” the city en route to other cities. Theirs was “the house by the side of the road.” Sister Johnson organized the Ellen Moore Charity Workers (now called the Las Fidelas Matrons), whose dedication is toward foreign missions. At the time of the group’s inception, emphasis was placed upon assisting Dr. Ellen Moore Hopkins in Kakata, Africa.
In 1970, Sister Johnson organized the Bethesda Temple Sisterhood. This auxiliary consists of the willing women of the church who are divided into nine groups named after the fruits of the spirit, according to Galatians 5:22. As a diligent and successful fundraising group, this concept caught fire and many churches grasped hold of the idea. In addition to this, Sister Johnson headed the Wednesday afternoon Prayer Band and was a faithful member of the Bethesda Temple Board of Directors.
As early as 1961, Sister Johnson became involved on the national and international levels of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. She worked by her husband’s side as he worked in the offices of General-Secretary, Diocesan Bishop of the 14th and 12th Episcopal Districts, respectively, Assistant Presiding Bishop and Presiding Bishop. She was privileged and honored to serve as the International Ministers’ Wives as Parliamentarian, and the International Missionary and Christian Women’s Auxiliary from 1969 to 1992 in such capacities as choir member, secretary of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Program Chairperson, Second Vice-President (1983-1986), and President (1986-1992). In August 1997, an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from the Aenon Bible College of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. was bestowed upon her.
Mother Josephine B. Johnson was a beautiful, kind, gentle, graceful and gracious woman of God, in love with Him and His people. She was the epitome of a Christian, wife, mother, sister, pastor’s wife, bishop’s wife, friend, counselor, supporter, leader, administrator, “a virtuous woman.” She has been quoted as saying in her attitude toward serving the Lord, “It is both thrilling and rewarding to feel that I have contributed in some small way to the many accomplishments of my husband, as we celebrate 45 years of life together in the work of the Lord. Witnessing the conversion of sinners to saints of God as a result of the Gospel message is an exciting experience. Further, the opportunity to reach out and touch the lives of others is very heartwarming. It is gratifying to observe the progress made by those whom I have worked with and endeavored to train for willing service n the house of the Lord. Much pleasure is derived from the involvement with wonderful women of God of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, who are committed to kingdom building and promoting the fellowship and spiritual growth in the body of Christ. As pastor’s wife, mother, missionary, sister, friend, it is my desire to radiate the light of love and faith to those with whom I come in contact.”
Mother Josephine B. Johnson, “The Golden Rose”, departed this life on January 3, 1998. Leaving to cherish wonderful memories of her are a loving and devoted husband of 50 years, Bishop James A. Johnson; six children; three sons-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, saints, and friends.
