Lorna Boston Johnson
Lorna Boston Johnson was born on June 13, 1950, to the late James and Pearline Boston, in Chicago, Illinois.
Lorna attended Jane A. Neil and Arthur Dixon Elementary Schools, Calumet High School and Emil G. Hirsch High School, all in Chicago, Il.
Lorna’s parents were active in community and social affairs. As they raised their children in a loving and socially conscious family environment, they attended Salem Lutheran Church in Chicago. In the 60s, Lorna was a cheerleader for Salem and the Lutheran Athletic Association’s basketball team. Remaining engaged with this activity she simultaneously was a part of Calumet High School’s cheering squad.
Lorna was born into a musical family. From her parents and siblings to her extended family members and friends, creative and artistic abilities continued to abound. In the 70s as Lorna attended Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor/St Joseph, Michigan, she sang with the multi-racial, gender-diverse, acoustic folk and soul group called The Chosen Few. They traveled all over the state of Michigan to colleges and various events bringing the soulful magic of folk music and echoing the social and political climate of those times. From the nation’s civil rights era to local state of affairs, The Chosen Few spoke to the hearts of all who embraced them. We cannot forget the impact she had on children in the Benton Harbor area at that time. She taught youngsters how to read and write at Benton Harbor’s Sealy McCord Elementary School. After her stint in Benton Harbor/St Joseph, she moved back to Chicago where she attended Olivet Baptist Church, continuing her spiritual path of enlightenment.
Anyone who knows Lorna Boston knows that she has been a staple of the jazz community for over three decades. With her Chicago roots deeply embedded in the traditional style of the classics, her sound was always sought out by the jazz elite. In the early days of her Chicago musical career, some may say her style was shaped by not only her parents but her late brother Lamonte Boston and cousin Luba Rashiek. Over the years Lorna was known for her work with The Hurricane Reggae Band and other well-known bands and musicians.
Lorna opened for the late iconic comedian Bernie Mac and shared the stage with some of the titans of jazz and entertainment such as veteran saxophonist Von Freeman and Captain Jack McDuff. In addition to these outstanding accomplishments, Lorna serenaded stars such as Sammy Davis Jr., Betty Carter, Liza Minelli, actors William Forsythe, Richard Gere and has collaborated with internationally known performers including her “baby” sister Linda Boston’s various “Permission” and PEER Inc. projects. As her years continued, she made it a priority to embrace live music by bringing and/or being part of it internationally in Australia and in America in Detroit and Benton Harbor, MI, Chicago, Ill, Decatur, GA and many other cities.
In addition to this, you would find Lorna performing at top entertainment venues such as Green Dolphin Street, The Waterhole, Reggie’s, Chicago’s Taste and other neighborhood festivals. Many people have enjoyed her top billing of over 20 years at Lonie Walker’s Underground Wonder Bar. It would warm your heart to know that Lorna miraculously facilitated the Sept. 1, 2024, Underground Wonder Bar reunion in the midst of her passing through this realm. The magnificent calm in her demeanor during that magical time was a gift and lesson for us all, as each and every one of us in her “orbit” felt The Most High God moving to and through her. Only Lorna Boston could plan a final moment of that magnitude!
Lorna had interpretations about life, situations and people called “Lorna-Cations”. If you ever experienced the beauty of Lorna’s “teachings” you will reflect on the delight and find yourself with a soulful song in your heart. This election year was particularly important to her as she encouraged all of us to remember not to take our right to vote for granted. We will undoubtedly remember her name, philosophy, talents and life for years to come. Enjoy a song Lorna sang on YouTube, called “Know Thyself” written by her sister Linda. Put “Lorna Boston Interview” in your YouTube search and you will be pleasantly surprised by how many selections are available to enjoy. They will put a smile on your face and warm your heart.
After the closing of the Underground Wonder Bar and the turmoil of the covid pandemic, Lorna decided to move from Chicago to Chattanooga, with her daughter Lisa Batts and her family. She became a member of Grace Pointe Church, where she often shared how much she truly loved the inspirational messages of Pastor Marcellus Barnes. She also enjoyed the kindness of the people there, as well as singing praises in the Grace Pointe Church Choir.
No matter where she lived, from family to friends, Lorna mentored a host of artists, young and not so young, with love. Even her love for nature had her feeding animals and drawing beautiful pictures of life that touched her deeply. With that in mind, the greatest gift Lorna leaves us with is LOVE. If it’s not love around you…it’s nothing but chaos. Know that Lorna is now a precious existence of light. No emotions, no feelings, no opinions…just LOVE. Therefore, we must take the time to know ‘self’ enough to embrace love within and around us. However, it is essential to do this without hesitation.
There may be a hole in your heart that Lorna Boston Johnson used to fill. Just know she would want you to fill that hole with the love to, through and around you, to the brim.
Lorna Boston Johnson leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter Lisa (Theodore) Batts, grandchildren Jaron, Caleb and TaKierah Batts, sister Linda Boston, nieces Aziza Gilbert, Maegan (Richard Piazzas) Reddick, Lisa Martin, Amber Hill, nephews Lorenzo Modeste, Idris Reddick, Andre’ Everette and Akhiem Terence Cheadle, special in-laws Rebecca Boston, Norman “Rama” Johnson and Star Johnson, stepson David Johnson Jr. and a host of other direct, indirect and extended family, relatives and friends.
Public viewing will be held starting at 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, followed immediately by the celebration of life that will take place in the chapel of the funeral home.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, Chattanooga, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.