Essie Johnson, 101, of Chattanooga, died on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at her residence.
She was born in Childersburg, Al., on September 11, 1915. She attended West Main Street School and Howard High School. Essie married Clifford Norman and they raised a son, Frederick Norman. She worked for a local optician as an eyeglass lens grinder. Eventually, they divorced and she moved to New York City. There she met Johnny Johnson who became her husband. They were dedicated Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was employed by Bulova Watch Company for many years. After the death of her second husband, Essie retired and moved back to Chattanooga. Her favorite book to read was the Bible.
Essie was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Maggie Keith; brothers, Albert and Richard; sister, Jimmie; and husband, Johnny Johnson.
She is survived by her son, Frederick (Twila) Norman; grandsons, Lamont (Pamela) Norman and Trent (Nina) Norman; granddaughter, Denise (Steve) Norman-Labati; and three great grandsons; her sister-in-law, Mary Catherine Keith and several cousins.
She will lie in state on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home with the funeral to follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel with Minister Kenneth Simpson as the eulogist. Burial will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.