Johnnie Mae Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

They say “no one can tell your story better than you.” So, first I’d like to give all the praises to God for 83 years of life. Here’s my story: I was born Johnnie Mae Brown on May 16, 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee to Emma Walker and Jack Carson, who preceded me in death. However, I was fortunate enough to have a bonus dad Willie Brown who also precedes me in death. I later moved to Chicago, Illinois where I attended DuSable High School and was a proud graduate of .1956. Even though I’d been a part of the Randall family and best friends with Norma Jean Randall for many years, it wasn’t until 1955 when the attraction grew for my first love Marvin Randall. He was my prom escort and later became my husband. From this union, my love, my heart beat, my twin, my soul, my one and only daughter Vickie A. Randall was born. I love you baby. I was a great seamstress and made Vickie’s clothes including her prom dresses. In 1966, I met Bobby Smith. He approached me at my sisters wedding and smoothly asked, “Are you the blue eyed, bow legged blonde sister I’ve been waiting to meet?” We laughed, exchanged great conversation and later married in 1968 until his health failed. Well we’ve reconnected and it’s just like the saying goes, “until we meet again”. I accepted Christ at a very early age and was baptized at 44th Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Elijah Thurston. I recommitted and joined Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles Jenkins. I worked at Bell Telephone Company for two years, Capital Box Company and later started at the United States Postal Service in 1972 and retired in 1992. As a retiree, I had a lot of time on my hands and still wanted to keep myself busy. I worked at H&R Block, I volunteered with the food and clothes ministry once a month at church, I was a baby cuddler at the University of Chicago Hospital, I did volunteer work in Provident Hospital at the front desk, I was a member of the Red Hatter Society Inc. the Virtuous Woman Chapter and helped organize several family reunions, where we had a ball. There was a contest with the youth division at church and our Bible study class where we had to learn 250 Bible verses and the prize was a trip to Canada. And guess what, I won, and I enjoyed my trip to Canada. Vickie and I decided to learn how to dance, however all I learned was I had no rhythm other than to do the watoosie, but I tried. I loved to travel, bowling, socializing, family, line dancing, square dancing, and making my famous Fling Wine from scratch. Many of you here now know just what I’m talking about. Wasn’t it good? On February 26, 2021 at 4:30 a.m. I had an appointment I had to keep because God relieved me from all my countless duties. I leave to cherish my memories, my love Vickie A.Randall; my grandson Karlton J. Thomas (Monica); and my beautiful granddaughter Karlisa J. Thomas; my sister Barbara J. Smith of Hattieville, Arkansas; my niece Genell, my niece/other child Sheila and nephew Michael; my friend/daughter Annette;; Chicago Commons, Vista Family, my CNA Tequila, thank you for guiding my baby, to my first home care aid Tanya from Gareda; and to the crazy girl under the stairs Cookies, I know things got heavy but you were always there helping my baby and for that I thank you, to all my nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends I love you all so, so much. And believe me when I tell you this, “Until We All Meet Again.” But before I go…… Vickie, my love, my daughter, my best friend, my confidant, my prayer partner, my nurse, my twin, I’m so very proud of you! Thank you for being everything I imagined. If God has needed my help in molding you, guess what my love, I wouldn’t have changed a mustard seed about you. I know you will miss our endless conversations, our laughs, our cries, our ups and very few downs, you may even replay some sleepless nights towards the end of my existence, but for all you’ve done for me, I thank you. Baby I know it was hard, but you made it. Caring for me for the past years was only a test of your strength for you to be able to continue on this path called life. Vickie I’m resting peacefully my love. You have shown strength time and time again. Sure there may be a few bumps in the road, just remember our journey and the strength you possess. You will survive it all. So LIVE, because not only do we have a lifetime full of memories, I’m still right there with you. I’m absent from the body but I’m here with the Lord. Guess what my house now, wasn’t built by hand. I love you and I always will, until we meet again. Karlton, Karlton, “K” yo yo yo! As if I didn’t have just one heartbeat, then there was you. I can still remember when your mom came to me and told me she was pregnant. I was so excited! I can still feel the joy in my heart. You don’t know this now, but in time you will. There’s a different kind of love you have for grands. I thank you K, for giving me the opportunity to know what that feels like. As you held my hand, stroked my face and ran your fingers through my hair. I felt your pain, I felt your heart break, I even heard your cry, but I need for you to keep saying to yourself, “I’m going to be fine.” And you will. You have become a very strong intelligent, loving man and I want to thank you. Thank you for listening to the people responsible for the way you turned out. Granddad would be so proud, but don’t worry I’m going to tell him all about the man you’ve become. Continue to live, love, laugh, honor your mother and father, as you have, raise your daughter, protect her, guide her, (you’ll better understand that experience now), continue to work, stay true to you, stay honest and LIVE! I wanna know that you’re OK! Don’t think because I’m not in the physical that I’m not with you. I’m with you in your heart today, tomorrow, and always. Until we meet again. Lee, Lee, my lil fourth generational love, one day you’ll get the real understanding that death, my love, is a part of life. Even though we were together for nine years, they were wonderful years. Just as I’ve taught my daughter, and my daughter has taught your dad, you’ll one day, and I do mean a long time from now, you’ll teach your child. Trust God, keep up prayer, honor your mother and father, get grades in school, work, be honest, and soar. When you look up and see the sky, that’s your limit. You can do and be whatever your precious heart desires. I love you and I am forever in your heart my dear. Barbara my one and only sister. I love you, I love you, I love you. You were my very first best friend. Thank you for protecting me and thank you for loving me unconditionally and thank you for introducing me to my husband, my heart, Bobby Smith. I love you all, and until we meet again. Good night

Tributes

Johnnie Mae Smith

May 16, 1937 - February 26, 2021