Blanche (Eskridge) Johnson

Wise, tough and a fighter to the end.  These are just a few words that describe Mrs. Blanche Johnson or 'Butch' as she was fondly called by family and friends growing up.   Blanche Johnson was born on April, 3, 1928 in Duck Hill, Montgomery County, Mississippi.  She was the fifth of nine children of the late Celia and Lindsey Eskridge. Her parents provided a loving, disciplined Christian home.

She professed a hope in Christ at a very early age and remained active in her Christian faith for the remainder of her life.  

Blanche attended school in Mississippi.  During World War II, her family made the decision to move North for job opportunities, they landed in Cleveland, OH. While in Cleveland, Blanche held a position at Bobby Brooks and when they closed she decided to become a nurse's aide working for various families until retirement.  Blanche was loved by many, she was a very hard worker and was very clear about her expectations in all aspects of her life. Blanche's sister Henrietta introduced her to a young man by the name of C.L.Johnson, who had just returned from the serving our country in the Korean War.  They met and fell in love and decided to marry in 1955.  To this union was born three beautiful daughters, Gwendolyn, Sherry and Leisa.

Blanche was an example of good work ethic, which she instilled in all three of her daughters(in her children).  She had a great talent for cooking and baking, her Blackberry cobbler was a signature dish. She cooked for her family each and every day, her family knew very little about fast food.

Blanche had a great eye for interior decorating and fashion.  She was always redecorating her home and was recognized by her friends for her talent of using color.  She also loved to shop and was a smart dresser.  If she wasn't shopping, she was spending time with her family.  The Johnson family traveled every single summer and made sure we were always together.   

Mrs. Blanche Johnson passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones, on September 5, 2020.  She was 92 years old.  Preceding her in death was her youngest daughter, Leisa.  Her siblings Lloyd, Lillian, Rose, Lindsey, Elzora (Jo), Tommy and Willy.     

She leaves to celebrate her memory, her loving husband of 65 years, C. L. Johnson, her daughters Gwendolyn Kolb of Albuquerque, NM, Cheryl (Anthony) Willis of Cleveland, OH.  Her sister, Henrietta Larkins of Mayfield Heights, OH.  Her six grandchildren, Keith Nickens (Cleveland, OH), Alfred (Al) Andrews (Cleveland, OH), Ashley Andrews (Cleveland, OH), Alyssa Lott (Brussels, Belgium), Sydney Willis (Cleveland, OH) and Shelby Willis (Cleveland, OH).  Five great-grandchildren, many loving relatives, many dear friends and great neighbors.

She will forever be in our hearts and we are grateful that she was a light in our lives.  Her presence will be missed by those who loved her, but her memory will be cherished always. 

We're at peace knowing that she is resting with the Lord.

GOD KNOWS BEST

Our Father knows what's best for us, 

So why should we complain -

We always want the sunshine

But He knows there must be rain,

We love the sound of laughter

And the merriment of cheer,

But our hearts would lose their tenderness

If we never shed a tear,

Our Father tests us often

With suffering and with sorrow,

He test us not punish us,

But to help us meet tomorrow.

Helen Steiner Rice

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