Eleese Hampton

Johnson, 79

DOVER - Eleese Hampton Johnson, of Dover, transitioned from this mortal life into eternal life Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, at home. She was 79.

She was born in Holly Springs, Miss., on Oct. 8, 1928, the eighth of nine children born to the union of Alma Corrothers Hampton and Robert Hampton Sr.

Eleese confessed her hope in Christ at an early age in Holly Springs.

She moved to Arkansas City, Ark., at the age of 9 along with her family. The family united with the Zion Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Corey Seals.

Eleese attended the Arkansas City public school.

She was united in holy matrimony with her husband, Joseph Dale Johnson, on Feb. 6, 1953, in Warren, Ark.

They lived in Arkansas City until they moved to Dover to Dec. 13, 1957.

She was employed by the Home for the Chronically Ill for 23 years.

Eleese worked in geriatrics for six years.

She was a faithful member of Mount Zion AME Church under the leadership of Rev. Wayne Arthur Johnson Sr., D.D., pastor.

Eleese was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Robert Hampton; her brothers, Robert Jr., Edgar, Willie, Johnny, Bernard and Frank Hampton; one sister who died at birth; and two grandchildren, Jeanine and Johnnie J. White Jr.

She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Joseph Dale Johnson of Dover; her one and only son, Johnnie Jay White of Dover, one sister, Mary Hampton Brooks of Arkansas City, Ark.; one granddaughter, Shenita Fleming of Atlanta, Ga.; one great-grandson, Jeremiah Jones of Dover; a great-granddaughter, Jontae Clark of Dover; one godsister-in-law, Geraldine Nixon of St. Louis, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Worthy of Arkansas City, Lena of Benton Harbor, Mich., Lois of Little Rock, Ark., Betty of Greenwood, Miss.; a host of nieces and nephews; and close friends, Lillie Mae Johnson, Evangelist Tina Gates and Ms. Drema Carter.

Viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday in Mount Zion AME Church on Fulton and Queen streets, Dover.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Mount Zion AME Church, where friends may view two hours prior.

Burial will be in the Veteran Cemetery, Millsboro.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.