Loretha Virginia West Johnson, a native of Palatka, Florida, was the daughter of William West, Sr., and Corene Gavin West, born on March 26, 1932. She was the sixth of twelve children in the West family. She was educated in the Putnam County School System and earned her high school diploma from Central Academy High School in 1952. She also completed her cosmetology training in 1953 at Jones Cosmetology Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the owner of Unique Beauty Salon, which she operated for approximately 50 years. On September 20, 1953, she was united in marriage to Johnnie Givens, Jr. and together they were the parents of five sons, Dexture W. Givens, Alvin Lynn Givens, Terrence Q. Givens, Edwin Keith Givens, and Johnnie Orrin Givens, Sr.

At an early age, Loretha was baptized and became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. She also began playing the piano after being inspired to do so by her cousin, Louella Campbell. In 1953, she served as musician for Bethlehem Baptist Church and in 1955, she subsequently served as musician at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. In 1986, she was united in holy matrimony to Reverend Ezekiel Johnson, who preceded her in eternal rest on July 24, 2018. During her tenure at Greater Shiloh, she served three of the church choirs and was honored for her many dedicated years of service at Greater Shiloh on August 8, 2010. She has been a devoted servant of God and senior musician of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church since the First Sunday of August in 2009. She also served as musician for New Bethel AME Church, San Mateo. Due to health reasons, she became a resident of Solaris HealthCare on July 16, 2018. She was a God-sent servant who loved to worship and praise God. She skillfully played both the piano and organ. Loretha loved to cook, take care of her family, and willingly fed anyone who visited her home.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in eternal rest by her sons, Dexture W. Givens, Alvin Lynn Givens, Terrence Q. Givens; brothers, William "Nebo" Jr., Carey, Joe, Nathaniel James "JC" Carl, John West; sisters, Winnie Williams, Ella Mae Lewis, Lucille Maxwell.

Loretha Virginia West Johnson entered the sunset of life on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center.

Loretha leaves to cherish her memories: sons, Johnnie Orrin (Claudette) Givens, Sr., Palatka; Edwin Keith (Tangie) Givens, East Palatka; daughters-in-law, Dolly Ann Oxendine-Givens, Palatka; Sonya Givens, Lenora Givens, both of Jacksonville; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brother, Willie James (Mamie) Johnson, Warner Robins, GA; sister, Marvie (Nathan) Allen, East Palatka; "like sisters," Martha Nichols, Palatka; Lillian Kemp, San Mateo; goddaughter, La'Trisha Consuelo Baker, East Palatka; a host of nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Brandon Baker, Los Angeles, CA; and a host of other relatives and friends.

CDC guidelines will be followed.  Public visitation: 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 2 at Mt. Tabor. Homegoing Celebration:  2 p.m., Saturday, July 3, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor,  eulogist. Interment: Palatka Memorial Gardens.