Louise J. Ellis Johnson

CAMBRIDGE - Louise J. Ellis Johnson, 86, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2007, at Mallard Bay Nursing Center after a lengthy illness.

Born April 1, 1921, in Church Creek, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Manokey Ellis.

She attended the public school in Dorchester County after which she worked several jobs such as Phillips Packing Co., I.F. Canning Co., Knocks Landing and Nathan"s Furniture Store. She then became a foster parent for more than 30 years, raising and caring for many.

At an early age, she became a Christian. She became a member of Mount Zion Methodist Church singing and praying band. Later she became a member of Zion Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Senior Choir.

She loved having family gatherings, traveling and helping others whenever she saw the need.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Otis Johnson; a son, Deacon William S. Ellis (Hazel); a grandson whom she raised as her own, Curtis D. Johnson of Denver; four grandchildren, William Ellis Jr., Avery Ellis, Louise Sampson (Timothy) and Felecia Ellis, all of Cambridge; eight great-grandchildren, Cierra Sampson, De"Lecia Ellis, Mi"Aja Ellis, Tyron Davis, Tyneshia Ellis, William Ellis III, Corey Ellis and Romar Rideout; seven great-great-grandchildren; three nieces, Lillian Perry, Marie Cooper and Mildred Johnson, all of Cambridge; three nephews, Harold Cooper and Melvin Cooper, both of Cambridge, and Otis Cooper of New York; two sisters in-law, Daisy Sampson and Annette Johnson; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by a grandson, Rodney Ellis; three brothers; two sisters; three brothers-in-law, James, Bernard and Jerome Johnson; a sister- in-law, Rose Cephas; two nephews, Kevin Johnson and Larry Cooper.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Zion Baptist Church, 600 Cross St., Cambridge, with a viewing two hours prior to the services. Elder Craig Mathis will officiate. Burial is scheduled for Monday, 10 a.m. at the Veterans" Cemetery at Beulah.

Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home, PA.