annie laura collier johnson eubanks
1911-1985
Life Story
Early Life in Lawrence
Annie Laura Collier was born on July 4, 1911, in the Lawrence community of Newton County, Mississippi. She was the only daughter of Edd Collier and Emma McElroy Collier, a hardworking farming couple whose lives were deeply rooted in Beat 4 of Newton County.
Growing up in rural Mississippi, Annie was raised in a household that valued hard work, education, faith, and community responsibility. Her parents operated a family farm and were active participants in the life of the Lawrence community.
By 1920, Annie was living with her parents on their farm and attending school. At a time when educational opportunities for African American children in rural Mississippi were often limited, she gained the ability to read and write, skills that would later serve her well in both church and community leadership.
Marriage and Family Life
Around 1928, Annie married Charlie B. Johnson, the son of John and India Johnson.
The young couple initially lived within the larger Johnson family household, a common arrangement for newly married couples during the era. The 1930 census records Annie as a nineteen-year-old wife living in Beat 4 of Newton County, where she was already recognized as literate and able to read and write.
Over the following decades, Annie and Charlie built their own household and raised a family while working the land in Newton County.
Their children included:
- Eddie Lee Johnson
- Clyde Johnson
- Perry M. Johnson
- Fletcher Johnson
- Lucille Johnson
Like many farm wives of her generation, Annie balanced household responsibilities with agricultural labor. The federal censuses of 1940 and 1950 document her role as homemaker and mother while helping sustain the family’s farming operation.
A Life of Faith and Service
Faith formed the center of Annie’s life.
She was a devoted member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and became one of the most active women in the Lawrence community. Unlike many individuals whose lives are documented only through census records, Annie’s work repeatedly appeared in local newspapers, revealing a woman deeply engaged in church, civic affairs, and community development.
In May 1961, she led devotional exercises for the Christian Aid Club at Union Chapel Church. During the meeting she selected scripture from Luke 23:18–28 and led the congregation in singing “Let Jesus Fix It for You.” She also served as the club’s reporter, documenting its activities for publication.
Her involvement demonstrated both spiritual leadership and a commitment to preserving the accomplishments of community organizations.
Leadership in Rural Development
Annie’s influence extended beyond church walls.
She was actively involved in local rural development efforts designed to improve the quality of life for African American families in the Lawrence area.
In March 1962, while serving as reporter for the Lawrence Rural Development Club, she documented community meetings and participated in hosting local gatherings. Later that same year, she reported on the activities of the Lawrence Negro Rural Development Club’s annual farm tour, helping highlight agricultural achievements within the community.
These organizations encouraged better farming practices, home improvement, education, and community cooperation. Annie’s leadership role reflects her commitment to helping strengthen the Lawrence community and preserve opportunities for future generations.
Advocate for Education
Annie also believed deeply in the value of education.
In April 1964, during a meeting of the Lawrence Home Demonstration Club at Jerusalem Baptist Church, she led a discussion focusing on Alcorn A&M College, Mississippi’s historic Black land-grant institution.
Her presentation emphasized the importance of higher education and the opportunities it created for African American students. At a time when educational access remained unequal across much of the South, Annie’s advocacy reflected her belief that education served as a pathway toward advancement and community improvement.
Widowhood and a New Chapter
After many years of marriage, Annie suffered the loss of her husband, Charlie B. Johnson.
His death brought an end to decades of shared work, family life, and community involvement. Yet Annie continued forward with the same strength and determination that had characterized her life.
Later she married James Paul Eubanks and relocated to Forest, Mississippi, where she remained close to family while maintaining ties to her beloved Lawrence community.
Death and Burial
Annie Laura Eubanks passed away on July 24, 1985, at the age of seventy-four.
Funeral services were held on July 28, 1985, at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence. Reverend Robert B. Denmark officiated the service, while church deacons served as pallbearers and the Home Mission Sisters served as flower bearers.
She was laid to rest at Union Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery in Lawrence, Newton County, Mississippi.
Legacy
At the time of her death, Annie left behind a remarkable family legacy that included her husband, James Eubanks; her children Eddie Lee, Perry, Clyde, Fletcher, and Lucille; five stepchildren; twenty-two grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.
Yet her legacy extends far beyond numbers.
She was a church worker, community reporter, rural development advocate, educational supporter, wife, mother, grandmother, and respected community leader. Through her work with churches, clubs, and civic organizations, she helped strengthen the Lawrence community during a period of tremendous change in Mississippi history.
Annie Laura Collier Johnson Eubanks represents a generation of African American women whose leadership often operated quietly but effectively behind the scenes. Through faith, service, and dedication to family and community, she left an enduring mark on Newton County that continues to be remembered today.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 U.S. Census, Newton County, Mississippi, Beat 4, household of Edd Collier.
- 1930 U.S. Census, Newton County, Mississippi, Beat 4, household of John Johnson.
- 1940 U.S. Census, Newton County, Mississippi, household of Charlie B. Johnson.
- 1950 U.S. Census, Newton County, Mississippi, household of Charlie B. Johnson.
- The Newton Record (Newton, Mississippi), May 24, 1961, Christian Aid Club report.
- The Newton Record (Newton, Mississippi), March 21, 1962, Lawrence Rural Development Club report.
- The Newton Record (Newton, Mississippi), July 11, 1962, Lawrence Negro Rural Development Club farm tour report.
- The Newton Record (Newton, Mississippi), April 22, 1964, Lawrence Home Demonstration Club meeting. Obituary of
- Annie Laura Eubanks, The Newton Record, August 7, 1985.
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