sarah jane chapman johnson
1908-1980
Life Story
Sarah Jane Chapman Johnson was born about 1908 in the Altare Community of Newton County, Mississippi, to John Chapman (1875–1953) and Lucindy Walker Chapman (1879–1958). She was nurtured within a strong family network rooted in faith, work, and community.
Sarah’s maternal grandparents were Emanuel Walker (1850–1926) and Riney Evans (1850–1926), while her paternal grandparents were David Chapman (1848–?) and Sarah Evans (1852–?)—families whose ties to the Altare area stretched back generations.
In her youth, Sarah worked as a farm hand, contributing to her family’s livelihood while attending the local school, where she completed the third grade of elementary education. Like many of her generation, she balanced the demands of rural labor with a deep commitment to family and faith.
By 1926, Sarah had married George Levi Johnson (1906–?), beginning a union that would bring forth a large and loving family. Sarah’s occupation in those early years was listed as keeping house, a reflection of her role as both homemaker and caregiver—a foundation upon which her family’s strength was built.
From the union of Sarah and George, the following children were born:
- Tommie Johnson (1927–2004)
- Ammie Lee Johnson Potts (1931–1997)
- Eunice Johnson (1932–?)
- L. G. Johnson (1936–?)
- Julia Mae Johnson (1937–?)
- Annie Mae Johnson (1938–2001)
- Bobby Johnson (1939–?)
- Betty Renee Johnson (1944–?)
Sarah’s life was one marked by dedication—to her family, her home, and her faith. She was known as a nurturing mother and grandmother, whose quiet strength and devotion left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
In September 1980, at the age of 70, Sarah passed away peacefully at the home of her son, Tommie Johnson, in Decatur, Mississippi. Funeral services were held at Altare Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. J. L. Hunter officiating. Interment followed in the Altare Church graveyard, the final resting place of many of her loved ones.
At the time of her passing, she was survived by her children, including Mrs. Ammie Lee Potts of Gulfport, Mrs. Annie Mae Johnson of Newton; two sons, Thomas Johnson of Decatur and L. G. Johnson, Jr. of Gulfport; and one sister, Mrs. Willie Ann Plummer of Gulfport. She also leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family members who continue to cherish her memory and honor the life she lived.
Sarah’s life spanned decades of change in Newton County, yet she remained steadfast—a pillar of love, resilience, and faith. Her legacy endures through the generations that followed, firmly rooted in the traditions of the Altare community she called home.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- Scott County Times, Mrs. Sarah Jane Johnson Obituary, Wed, Oct 01, 1980 ·Page 3
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
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