Edna Lou Ethel (Bailey) Johnson was born September 2, 1926, in Gibson County Tennessee. She was the cherished daughter of Mattie Viola Corley and William Hayes Bailey. In her youth, she also had the love and guidance of her stepfather, James Curtis Bryant. Together, these three individuals laid the foundation for a strong, loving family that would shape the person Edna became. Edna was a trailblazer and became an example for her siblings; she was the first daughter, the first to leave Tennessee, and the first to graduate from high school and college.
Edna’s early education began in a one-room schoolhouse, Persimmon Grove School, in rural Tennessee in which she completed through 8th grade. Afterwards, she traveled north to Kalamazoo, Michigan to continue her education and seek better opportunities. She attended and graduated from Central High School and continued her education at Western Michigan University, where she was one of very few African American women enrolled at the school. She worked full time while pursuing her studies in the areas of nursing and teacher education. She was devoted to her studies and earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
While in college, Edna met Robert L. Johnson, and after graduation they united in marriage. Their love blossomed into a growing family, and together they nurtured five children. Family was everything to her and she cherished them throughout her life. Edna never forgot from where she came and returned home to Tennessee every year to maintain a strong relationship with her family and to attend the church revivals in
her childhood church. She planned her vacations around these revivals and always bought her children.
In her youth, Edna attended Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in rural Gibson County, TN where she confessed her faith and belief in Christ. She loved going to church with her parents and siblings where she was active in Sunday School and the children’s choir. After relocating to Chicago, IL, Edna united with Laflin Gospel Chapel where her involvement and influence in Christian ministry continued. She was a Sunday School Teacher for more than twenty-five years, a member of Women’s Prayer and Bible Study, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and a member of Laflin Ladies’ Quilters and the choir. She was also a faithful Church Events Team member, involved in decorations and was also a part of the kitchen committee and clothes giveaway at the Door of Hope and Pacific Gardens Missions. Edna was dedicated to spreading the gospel, and would go with other members throughout the neighborhoods sharing the good news of Jesus. She loved her church and continued her membership until her health limited her attendance.
Edna had a career in the fields of nursing, education and chemistry. She was hard working, dedicated and always willing to help others. While in Michigan, she worked in nursing at Borgess Medical Center and the Kalamazoo State Hospital. When her husband and family moved to Chicago, she worked for Witco Chemical Company in the chemical laboratory retiring after more than 20 years of service.
Edna was a woman who would never grew tired of helping those around her. She was constantly giving, from the life-lessons she imparted, love and tough love, her resources, as well as time and compassion. She opened her home to meet the needs of many in the community, often providing a hot meal, a place to stay, or providing for those in need. The lessons she taught through words and actions will continue to inspire and guide us.
Beyond her role as a mother and wife, Edna was a devoted sister, loving grandmother, and a cherished friend. She found joy in the simple things—family gatherings, gardening, storytelling, and sharing in the successes of those she loved. Even when life dealt her hardships, she never complained but chose to move forward and trust God. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family will carry forward the values she instilled and will ensure that her memory lives on, forever cherished, forever loved.
Edna was called home on February 6, 2025. She was proceeded in death by her parents and seven siblings: Arthaniel Warren, Jamie Bryant, Alma Ruth Bryant, Blondell Bryant, James Bryant Jr., Robert Bryant, Franklin (Richard) Bryant.
Edna’s legacy is not simply one of longevity, but of a life well-lived and full of fruit. She leaves to cherish her memory five children: Cheryl Norman (Greg); Gretchen Bailey; Gnomon Johnson (Yvonne); Edbert Johnson and Eric LaShaun Johnson Idohl (Hortensia). Her seven grandchildren: Jason Norman; Edbert Johnson II; Christopher Norman (Kiley); Camille Johnson; Eyan Idohl; Yara Idohl; Liam Idohl and one great-grandson: Darius Johnson. Her siblings include Thomas Bryant (Juanita) of CA and Lana Wardlow (Carl) of TN, as well as a host of other family and friends.
“ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for
me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not
only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
