Lela M. “Baby” Johnson-Smith was born April 6, 1957 in Orrville, AL to the late Charles Vaughn and Annie Johnson. On Sunday, June 21, 2009 she entered into eternal rest at her home in Baltimore, MD.
Services are scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 1:00pm at Aim-well Missionary Baptist Church, Hazen, AL officiated by Rev. Eugene Bennett. Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Miller Funeral Service.
Lela was educated in the Dallas County School System where she graduated from Keith High School in 1976. Shortly afterwards she moved to Lorain, OH where she continued her education at Kent State University. She began a career in banking in Ohio. In 1987 she re-located to the Washington DC Metro area, where she continued her career with Industrial Bank of Washington. Over the past 20 years, Lela held various positions from Head Teller to Credit Administration Assistant. She was highly respected during her career at Indus-trial Bank and was loved by many of her customers some of whom be-came personal friends.
She accepted Christ at an early age. Upon moving to Maryland she became a member of the New Psalmist Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Brianna ; seven sisters, Gloria Powell, Rozita (Thedore) Lewis, Vivian Irby, Eddie Mae Lake, Rachel Johnson, Nellie Molett, and Alice McCrae; seven brothers, Gilbert (Fannie Mae) Johnson, Edward Charles Johnson, Willie (Donna) Hayes, Willie Lee Johnson, Johnny Mack Johnson, Wyatt and Clyde Johnson. She is also survived by three aunts, three uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Lela will also be greatly missed by special friends, Joyce Arbertha, Evelyn Westbrook, Dianna Ellis, Theresa Guthridge, Vickie, Annie D. Irby, and Natalie Wester.
Lela was preceded in death by one brother, John Andrew Johnson.