Earnestine Johnson

Earnestine (Kirksey) Johnson was lovingly welcomed into this world on March 21, 1938, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, born to the late Henry G. Kirksey and Mattie Mae Kirksey. Six children were born from that union.

Earnestine later moved to Chicago, Illinois with her sisters in pursuit of greater opportunities and a brighter future. She worked in a factory for a short time and worked as a housekeeper until she met the love of her life, Charles Johnson. He swept her off her feet and in 1967, and they married. She enjoyed quiet mornings with him, while sitting at the kitchen table, drinking coffee, and watching the news. They shared one beloved son, Michael Johnson, who was born in 1968.

She was a woman of steadfast faith and an active member of the United Methodist Church. When Ivanhoe United Methodist Church merged with the Harvey congregation, she faithfully transferred her membership to Transformation Community Methodist Church, continuing her walk with Christ, and her commitment to fellowship and service. Each morning began with a familiar ritual: reading her Bible, enjoying a cup of coffee, and centering her heart before the day began. One of her favorite scriptures, Psalm 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding has all they do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.” This scripture reflected how she lived her life, which was guided by reverence, humility, wisdom, and rooted in faith.

Earnestine was an excellent cook and ENJOYED cooking for her family. She would make the absolute best pecan pie, and everyone would look forward to her brownies, and her baked ham on Thanksgiving. She cooked full meals for herself, cleaned her house and lived independently until her health declined. She found joy in life’s simple blessings. Cooking meals filled with love and taking walks with her granddaughters were moments she treasured. Time spent with family and friends brought her great happiness. Above all, she cherished her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, holding her family close at heart. Earnestine was an independent, strong woman. She preferred to do everything herself as long as she had the strength to do it. Her famous words were “I don’t want to bother anyone.” Her legacy lives on in the faith she practiced daily, the independence she modeled and the love she poured into generations of family who will carry her wisdom forward.

Earnestine peacefully made her transition on February 6, 2026, at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana, alongside her son, Michael.

Earnestine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Johnson, and five siblings: Grady Kirksey, Dorothy Kirksey, Flossie Kirksey, Eve (Chester) Sledge, and John Kirksey.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories of her four loving children: Charles Kirksey, Wanda Fay Kirksey, Charlene Kirksey, and Michael (Camille) Johnson. Her legacy continues through her four grandchildren: Shayla (Randy) Robertson, Danielle, Michele and Mia Johnson. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Destiny and Kamdon Robertson, and a beloved nephew, who was like a son, Cedric Kirksey, who held a special place in her heart. She is also lovingly remembered by extended family, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched with her quiet strength and steadfast love.