Estella Kelly Johnson

PORT GIBSON,  MS: Funeral services for Estella Kelly Johnson, 80, who died Saturday, May 10, 2025, at her daughter’s resident in Vicksburg, MS will be held at 2p.m., Saturday, May 17, at Ashland Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Cruel officiating.  Rev. Earl Cosey of Old Come and See M.B. Church will do the eulogy.  Burial will be in the church cemetery with Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. of Port Gibson in charge of the arrangements.  Visitation will be Friday, from 1p.m. until 5p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home Chapel and Saturday, from 1p.m. until service time at the church.

Mrs. Johnson was born on November 27, 1944 to the late Neal and Pecola “Sweet” Kelly.  From a young age, she was affectionally known as “Coosie”.  She was an endearing person who never met a stranger.  She enlightened everyone she encountered with her humor and love.  She touched everyone she met by attempting to brighten their day and make them laugh.

She confessed Christ and was baptized at an early age at Ashland M.B. Church where she served faithfully as an Usher and later as a Mother.  She attended school in Claiborne County, graduating from Addison High School in 1962.  Soon after high school, she married David M. Johnson and to this union three children were born.  They later divorced and moved on with their lives. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Neal Kelly and Pecola Hamlin-Kelly; a son, Mark A.  Johnson; a brother, Don L. Kelly and two sisters, Thoretha Brandon and Maple Lee Kelly.

Mrs. Johnson leaves to cherish her memories and legacy of love two daughters, Maxine (Tommie) Rayford, Sr. of Jackson, MS and Joyce (Ben) Blue of Vicksburg, MS; a special niece whom she raised as her own, Frances (Johnny) Walker of Vicksburg, MS; three non-biological children, David M. Johnson of Memphis, TN,  Lanedra (Walter) Walker and Stephanie Crim, both of Detroit, MI; a sister, Ollie (Hiram) Wells of Port Gibson, MS; a daughter-in-law, Yolanda Johnson of Jackson, Masa sister-in-law, Rosie Brown of Dallas, TX; a brother-in-law, Willie (Regenia) Johnson of Tampa, FL; nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two grand puppies; a special friend, Robert January, who stood by her side until the end and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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