Ramona Evelyn Johnson

RAMONA EVELYN JOHNSON was called to rest at 94 years old on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 after a short illness. She was born on May 22, 1928 in Washington, DC to Margaret Waters and Frank Proctor and was later adopted by Raymond Holt. She had two brothers, the late Samuel Holt and Joseph Holt, and was bonded in sisterhood with the late Mary Alice Ball, Paula Matthews, Annie Proctor, and Peggy Wills; and with Sylvia Davis, Joyce Johnson, and the late Barbara Robinson. Ramona was a loving, thoughtful, generous, and compassionate woman. She had a strong faith in God and had been a member of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church for more than 40 years. Affectionately known as “Ms. Snookie,” Ramona grew up in Southeast Washington and attended DC public schools. She met the love of her life, Alphonzo Johnson (Mr. Bones) early in life and they were married in 1946. They lived for several years in Southeast and Northeast DC and were longtime residents of Capitol Heights, MD. At the time of Alphonzo’s passing in 2012, they had been married for 66 years. Their union was blessed with 8 children. Ramona adored her entire family and especially loved spending time with her generations of grandchildren. She was a second mother to many adults and she blessed the lives of several children for whom she was the only mother they ever knew. Ramona enjoyed a long career in the culinary arts. She answered her calling by taking jobs that would allow her to interact with people and apply her considerable cooking skills. She has worked as a short order cook, a caterer, a cafeteria worker, and for many years was employed by Capitol Hill Hospital, where she prepared food for patients and staff. At the age of 64, she was invited by James Garvin and Janice McCann to join the staff of the historic Langston Golf Course & Driving Range, which is recognized for its contributions to African American golf history and for its ongoing support of youth and family outreach programs. Ramona and her culinary colleagues played an important role at the golf course by preparing and serving food for the golfers, chaperoning youth, and assisting with special events. She never grew tired of helping people on their journey and sharing her gifts and talents with those who crossed her path. Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, husband, brothers, and five of her children: Carmelita Johnson, Van Johnson, Robert Johnson, Yolanda Johnson, and John Holt. She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters. Renee Johnson, Kim [Daniel] Arite, and Anita Johnson; twenty-three grandchildren, forty-three great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren; two nieces, Margaret Holt Stoddard, and Olivia Holt Edwards; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Johnson and Marjorie Henson; goddaughter Janice [George] McCann; godson Charles Johnson (Mann); and a host of other loving and supportive nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ramona Evelyn Johnson

May 22, 1928 - November 22, 2022