Thomasine Johnson

Thomasine Craig Johnson was called home to eternal rest by our Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Born on November 5, 1934, in Selma, Alabama, she was the second child of the late Robert E. Craig and Pauline Thrash Craig.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Alma Johnson, Vivian Arrington, and Robert Jr.; one half-brother, Herman Anderson; and one stepbrother, Samuel Bray.

At the tender age of seven, Thomasine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Selma. After the passing of her mother, she and her sisters remained in Selma with their maternal grandparents until their father married a devoted and loving wife, Essie Mae Porter—affectionately known as “Lil Momma”—who embraced and raised them as her own.

Thomasine was a faithful servant of the Lord and a lifelong member of Willing Spirit Baptist Church, founded by her father, Pastor Robert E. Craig. She remained devoted to the ministry through the leadership transitions of Rev. Robert Taul and later, Rev. Fred James IV.

Throughout her years at Willing Spirit, she served with a joyful heart. She was president of the youth choir in the church’s early days and later a dedicated member of the senior choir. She was divinely called to teach the Adult Sunday School class, a role she cherished and fulfilled faithfully for more than 35 years. Her ministry extended beyond the church walls:  she lovingly sent care packages to military members, collected blankets for the homeless served by the Drop Inn Center, and supported various charities.

After the passing of Sis. Bobbie Dunn, she continued the mission of collecting for the Sunday School Rally and also raised funds to provide school supplies for students at Ethel Taylor Academy. In 2005, led by the Spirit, she founded the first Women’s Conference at Willing Spirit Baptist Church, creating a space for women to fellowship and grow together in Christ.

Thomasine was a woman of many talents and quiet joys. An avid reader, she found comfort and inspiration in the written word. She also enjoyed the challenge of working puzzles, a pastime that reflected her patience and love of detail. A gifted seamstress, Thomasine took great pride in her craft—sewing with skill and creativity, she made the majority of her own clothing with elegance and care.

In November 1952, she united in holy matrimony with the late Willie J. Johnson, Sr. Their union of 45 years was blessed with six children: Vanessa (Wilbert) Littlejohn, Derrick (deceased), Willie Jr. (Diane), Melvena (Steven) Harris, Sheila, and Alisa. She is lovingly remembered by six surviving grandchildren, with one beloved grandchild who preceded her in death, nine great-grandchildren, and a chosen daughter, April (David) Smith of Columbus, Ohio.

She also leaves behind several spiritual children, including Minister Fred P. and Mary James IV, Jackie Davenport, and her entire Willing Spirit Baptist Church family, all of whom were touched by her unwavering faith, kind heart, and generous spirit.

Love you then; love you still.  See you soon!

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