Margaret K. Johnson

Annie Margaret King Johnson, affectionately known as Margaret or “Nana”, was born on August 7, 1932, in the city of Florence in Jackson, Mississippi, to her loving parents, Charlie and Lovie Mae King. She passed away peacefully on December 4th, 2024 leaving behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and service that touched all who knew her. 

Margaret attended public school in Jackson, Mississippi, and pursued higher education at Jackson State University, where she met the love of her life, Mr. William H. Johnson Sr., affectionately known as Bill. They married on September 29, 1953, and their union was blessed with five children.

Bill’s service in the military and later employment with the Newport News Shipyard brought the family to VA where they eventually planted roots in Buckroe. It was during these years that Margaret devoted herself to being a housewife and raising their five children, always creating a loving and nurturing home. 

In the early 70s, the Johnson family became active members of Antioch Baptist Church where Margaret served the church faithfully in various ministries. As a Deaconess, she was a pillar of strength and support. She was also a dedicated member of the Gleaners, the Hospitality Ministry, and both the Senior Choir and Gospel Chorus.  She was a woman of boundless gifts and abilities, capable of mastering any task with grace and determination. Whether it was sewing robes for the choir, decorating for a wedding, cooking meals, offering a helping hand, or spreading joy with her unwavering spirit, she had a unique ability to do it all!

Margaret was also passionate about supporting the youth in her community. She fostered and helped coach a youth baseball team at the Bradley Center (now Boys and Girls Club), stepping in to assist when others would not. In the early 70s, alongside her dear friend, Mrs. Brown, Margaret started a cleaning business, serving military families in base housing. 

In the late 70s, Margaret began working for the City of Hampton, where she started as a bus aide and eventually drove her own route for special needs children. She also took on additional routes for New Horizons in Newport News, VA. Margaret’s love for the students she served was clear, and her kindness and compassion were felt by all who knew her.  She served in this capacity for the City of Hampton until her retirement in 2010.  

As a grandmother, “Nana” opened her doors to countless children and grandchildren. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and love, and her grandchildren fondly remember the many times they would come to raid her cabinets, knowing that there was always something special waiting for them. Her home was a safe haven, filled with laughter, love, and the joy of being together.

Margaret’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of her five children, Bilitra Walker, William Johnson, Jr., Michael Johnson Sr. (Karmaleta), Patrice Johnson, and Gregory Johnson as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends who were blessed by her presence. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, William H. Johnson Sr., sisters (Linda & Rhonda), brothers (Nathaniel, Sammy & Sidney) and grandson (Tony).

A celebration of her life will be held at Antioch Baptist Church on December 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with burial following at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Services of comfort entrusted to Smith Brothers Funeral Home, 545 E. Mercury Blvd., in Hampton, VA. 

Margaret's life was a reflection of her unwavering love for the Lord, her deep devotion to her family, and her selfless service to her community. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire us all.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

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