Lois Etheridge Johnson , passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 90

on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Lois was born on January 27, 1936 in Newland (Pasqoutank County), North

Carolina. She was the eldest of three children born to the late Mable Williams

Etheridge and John Russell Etheridge. She joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at

an early age and attended regularly with her family and friends. Lois attended

Mill Pond Primary School and graduated from P.W. Moore High School in 1953.

After graduation she moved to Philadelphia, P.A.

During a brief marriage, Lois had a much beloved son, Arthur Stokes Jr., who

passed away at the age of 2. Though his time was short, he was the joy of her

life and will always be dearly remembered for his beautiful smile.

She was employed by the Noblette Manufacturing Co. for 40 years. She later

became a nurse and worked at the Moss Rehabilitation Hospital for 10 years.

She had a generous spirit and found joy in giving.

She married the love of her life, Willie Johnson in 1976. They were happily

married for 20 years until his death following a brief illness.

Lois was so dearly loved and treasured that she was known by a slew of

nicknames and endearments…such as “Lo Lo”, as she was affectionately called

by her nieces and nephews, Auntie, and “Butter Pecan”, a sweet moniker given

to her by Sammy & Debbie, that always made her smile.

She was a social butterfly, night owl and life long member of the Sophisticated

7 women’s social group. She was a Sister by Heart to a close knit group of

loving women, all of whom preceded her in death. She loved Red Lobster, ice

cream, court shows and gospel programs.

She joined the Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church in Philadelphia and served on

the Pastors Aid Committee for many years. She was a faithful member of the

church until health issues limited her full participation. She had a sweet,

magnetic personality and was dearly loved by many.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband: Willie; her son, Arthur

Jr. and her brother, John Russell Jr. She leaves to cherish her loving memory,

her sister, Willie M. Griffin of Elizabeth City, NC; nieces Yvette Griffin of

Elizabeth City, NC, Linda DeLaCruz of Pomona, NY; nephews, Terry Griffin

(Annette) of Dumfries, VA. and Gary Williams of Elizabeth City, NC; Great

nephews, Terry Jr. and Derrick; great nieces, Quianna, Naqueya, Alexandria

(Marcus), Kassandra (Sean); Great-great niece, Amaya; Great-great nephews,

Jordan, Ashton, Jayden, Braxton, Marcelo, Massimo, Roman and Gabriel;

Special Cousin, Debbie (Sammy) Strain, of Cinnaminson, NJ; Adopted

daughters Vanessa, Carmen, Vernell (Bunny); Goddaughter, Jasalyn and

adopted granddaughter, Rasheen (Ramen). And a host of extended family and

friends.

We are deeply grateful to Carmen for her heartfelt commitment and love;

Jennifer, Caregiver and so much more , for her devoted daily care; Sandy, a

dear friend, who frequently cooked her favorite foods; Vanessa for the

generosity of her time, the blessing of her invaluable support and the entire

Davis Family, Auntie’s “Philly family”, for all of the tender loving care they

provided.