Helen Joice Johnson (Lansing)

On Sunday, October 7, 2018, Helen triumphantly shed the pain and restrictions of her earthly body and gained her glorified, heavenly body. Helen Joice (Gray) Johnson was born October 9, 1937, in Wesson, Mississippi to the union of Isiah and Ethel Gray.

Later in life, Helen relocated to Lansing, Michigan. She was employed at the General Motors Oldsmobile Plant and worked tirelessly to support her family. She was creative, made beautiful hats, jewelry, curtains, an excellent cook, loved to garden, go to rummage sales—especially with her sisters Barbara and Georgia Mae.

Helen was an active member at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church for over 20 years, until she was physically unable to attend, and then later moved to Minnesota.

Helen, beautiful inside and out, had a kind, meek, and humble spirit. Her high-pitch soprano vibrato was beautiful. Her smile brightened the room. But, more than all of this, she loved God, her children, grandchildren, siblings and her family. She prayed without ceasing, on her knees, for her family. She prayed until something happened.

She fought a courageous fight against Parkinson’s. For 24 years she kept the faith—never complained, and never questioned God. She knew God’s grace was sufficient for her. She said “she had a dream that she was walking normal”. And then she said, “if the Lord didn’t heal her now, it would be in heaven”. And on Sunday morning she prevailed—no longer physically bound—she's whole, in the presence of the Lord, and has laid hold on eternal life.

She leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Travis, Trent, Mitchell (Thelma); daughters, Rahshaan and Nicole; siblings, Georgia Mae Washington, Orby (Corean) Gray, Jerry (Jenette) Gray, Charles (Kathy) Gray and Ronnie Gray; grandchildren, Trent Jr., Brandy, Tracey, Titiana, Marshaan, Lee III, Aaliya, Ayanna, Arriana, Sharede and Dominique. Great-grandchildren, Asija, Zi'Airrea, Jerderial, Jezzreal, Vontez, A'Zariyah, Kedriona, Elias, Jeremih, Ar’Tavious, Symphony, Jonathon, Aniyah, MeKai and Errinelle and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by daughters, Evelyn Johnson and Vivian Johnson; parents, Isiah and Ethel Gray; siblings, June Butler, Barbara Smith and Judy Gray.