Lelia Mae Ms. Jim Johnson, 75, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Putnam Community Medical Center. A native of Swainsboro, Georgia, she was born November 19, 1934 to James and Lillie Mae (Brant) Watson. She was educated in the Emanuel County Georgia Public School System. Lelia was united in marriage to Issac Big Ike Johnson on July 7, 1950 in Swainsboro. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Palatka (Putnam County) Florida from Stillmore (Emanuel County) Georgia. Ms Jim has resided in Palatka for over 56 years. She was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church where she joyfully served on the Hospitality Guild and the Pulpit Aide Society.

She provided domestic assistance for the Brown family for several years. As a dynamic master chef, she exercised her unique cooking skills at the former Pic-N-Save, Putnam Memorial Nursing Home and the Putnam County School District (Moseley Elementary Schools cafeteria). In prior years, the American Radionic Company and LM Sewing Factory also employed her. Her hobbies included walking, cooking, operating her community snack store, bargain shopping at yard sales and at Goodwill. She was passionate about cooking delicious meals for both family and friends in the community. Ms. Jim faithfully became the official greeter to everyone who walked past her longtime Washington Street residence and she often walked across the street to noonday prayer meeting at the Church of God by Faith.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in eternal rest by her husband of 58 years, Isaac Big Ike Johnson (June 4, 2009); son, Timmie Lee Johnson; brother, Johnny Watson; sister, Alneta Dickson; granddaughter, Chasity Johnson; and aunt, Alberta Coleman.

To cherish her legacy of love: devoted daughters, Lillie Bell Jackie (Ronald) Kelly, Gainesville; Evelyn (Thomas) Ellerbe, Atlanta, GA; Connie Faye (Arliss C. Jr.) Walker, Jacksonville; Janet Marie Ross (Willie Mr. Smitty Smith) and Kimberly Kim (Cecil) Edwards, all of Palatka; sons, Bobby Ray Johnson, Issac (Brenda) Johnson, Jr., Milton (Beverly) Johnson, all of Palatka; sisters, Bessie Mae Gordon, Ida Bell (George) Brazil, both of Lake Worth, FL; Mattie Lee Young and Juanita Worthen, both of Swainsboro, Georgia; 24 grandchildren, Ronald, Zakia and Zenedia Kelly; Thomas and LaNisha Ellerbe; Arliss III and DeAngel Walker; Inisha, Issac III, Kevin, Keron, Bobby, and Bashon Johnson, Brandi (Wesley) Dallas, Joyce, Joycelyn, Milton II and Marlon Johnson, Kenisha Johnson, FreSavia (Terry) Massey, Arnesia and Arnesto Ross, CeNiqua Edwards and Ranisha Hills; 34 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sylvester Johnson, Lillie Bell Bradshaw, Wylean (Claude) Murray, all of Palatka; Dora Lee Patterson, Stillmore, GA; Alberta Watson, Lake Worth; Betty Jack (W.J.) Durden, Miami; Willie Pearl Johnson, Hollywood, FL ; just like a daughter, Lisa Lewis (Clarence Herbie) Hall, Palatka; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, other relatives and countless special friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 25, 2010 at the Chapel of Serenity.

Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave, Palatka. Rev. Clarence Mallory, Jr., pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church is the eulogist and Rev. Stanley Moore, Pastor, Greater St. James Baptist Church, Swainsboro, GA., presiding.

Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, San Mateo.