Lydia S. Johnson

LYDIA S. JOHNSON NOV. 14, 1929 - OCT. 9, 2007 Born to Elder. Stewart Bishop and Ellen Ruth Barber-Bishop on November 14th 1929. She was the 2nd of five children. Flora May, Lydia, Stewart, Rebecca and Walter.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, she was very gifted with a verity of talents. She attended Elm St. Elementary, Hayes Jr. and Rayen Senior High Schools.

She began singing about the age of 6 and assisted in her fathers ministry. Anointed with oil by her father to play the piano at the age of 13 and has been singing and playing since that time. Singing with her siblings, they were known as the Bishop 4. She served as choir director, vocalist for her father's radio ministry. She has shared Gospel stages with such Gospel greats as Ruth Ward, Mahalya Jackson, Aretha Franklin , The Staple Singers and many others that came to Youngstown by way of her fathers ministry. She made several recordings at an early age.

She won an art scholarship in which some of her work was displayed in the Youngstown's Museum Of Art. She received A music scholarship from Dombar Coral to study classical music. She was an awesome seamstress.

On May 16th, 1951, she married Clarence Jr. Johnson and this union brought forth 7 Children, Clarence Jr., Timothy, Ramona, Julia, Theresa, Paul and Paulette.

After the death of her husband Clarence, on September 9, 1965, Lydia attended Youngstown State University furthering her education. Later she began teaching school in the Youngstown school system.

In 1976 Lydia came to California to join her 4 older children, bringing with her the 3 younger children and started a new life. She taught in different school districts in California. She got involved in ministry with her local church and served faithfully until an accident impaired her health.

She is preceded in death by her parents, step-mother Julia Bishop, her husband Clarence, her sister Flora Mae and her brother Stewart. She leaves behind her sister Rebecca Wade, a brother, Pastor Walter A. Bishop Sr., both of Youngstown, Ohio, 7 children, 21 grandchildren, 33 great- grandchildren, 2 great-great-grands a host of nieces, nephews and step grands.

She was greatly loved by all.

Visitation will be Thurs., Oct. 18, 4:00-8:00 p.m., with Services on Friday, Oct. 19, at 2:00 p.m., both at Lakewood Funeral Home.

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Published in the Modesto Bee on Oct. 16, 2007
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