Ernestine Johnson

Ernestine Johnson, (Nee: Stewart), age 90 passed away, Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Elizabeth Residence in Bayside. She was born January 4, 1925, in Dunbarton, Lousiana, to Wyatt Wentworth and Theresa Stewart. Ernestine has been a resident of Racine since 1948.

Ernestine was united in holy matrimony for sixty-six years to Willie Johnson who preceded her in death March 6, 2008. From this union was born four children, Willie Jr., Larry, Jacqueline, and Gregory.

She began her employment as a seamstress at Racine Leather Co. and later worked at Grants Furniture Store. In 1970 she was employed by American Motors Corporation and later by Chrysler Motors for nineteen years, retiring March of 1989.

Ernestine was a member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church and volunteer at Siena Center. She loved to exercise with her sister Marie and sister-in-law Mary. Her passion in life was helping others. Her children and extended family referred to her as a selfless, humble, compassionate and loving person. There were no limits to her generosity. Ernestine exemplified the true meaning of the word “mother” to all that had the fortunate pleasure of knowing her. She leaves a powerful legacy of family devotion and unconditional love.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Willie Johnson, two sons: Willie Jr. and Larry Johnson, two sisters, Marie Stone and Estelle Dixon; and 2 brothers, James P. and Andrew G. Stewart.

She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: one daughter Jacqueline (Joseph) Patterson, of Milwaukee, WI, one son Gregory (Denise) Johnson, Milwaukee, WI, one daughter in- law Jennie Johnson, of Racine, WI., ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren, two sisters, Pearl Dixon and Irma Jean (King) Griffin, and two sister-in-laws, Mary Johnson and Dorothy Stewart; a host of nieces, nephews, and two wonderful friends, Ora Bland and Precieuse Hands.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, Saturday, July 25, 2015, 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Kinzie Avenue. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass.