Johnnie Mae Brooks-Johnson
May 13, 1947 - September 12, 2024
Obituary
Johnnie Mae (Jammie) Brooks-Johnson was born in Marshall, Texas on May 13, 1947, to parents Lizzie Slade and Juan Balton. During her youth, she and her family moved to Seattle, Washington where she quietly lived out her years until her death on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at age 77.
While living in Seattle, Johnnie Mae grew up with her three siblings: Margaret Washington, Wendell Williams, and Willie Haggerty, along with a host of beloved uncles, aunties, and cousins who were a close knit family as her mother, Lizzie (Slade) Haggerty, was one of twelve children born to the Slade family patriarch & matriarch, Cerra and Maude Slade. Now, only two of her mother’s siblings remain, Yvonne Coleman and CA Slade.
During her formative years, Johnnie Mae attended and graduated from Garfield High School where she met her first husband, Herbert Brooks. Although their marriage did not last, three beautiful daughters were produced from their union.
Johnnie Mae attended Green River Community College and graduated with a degree in computer science. She also completed an advanced computer program at South Seattle College. Her first job was working as a receptionist and file clerk at a telephone company. She worked several other jobs until she was hired at the Boeing Company full-time as a data analyst in the spears department, which she worked for 28 years until retirement.
Johnnie Mae loved to attend church, and for many years she was a faithful member of the Northwest Evangelistic Center, which was eventually renamed Rainier Temple, where the Reverend Harold L. Wood was pastor. Having an immense love for God, she introduced her children to God and together she and her daughters faithfully served at Rainier Temple as choir members. With her deep interest in Christianity and love for God, she joined Pastor Wood on a group tour to the middle east to experience the Holy Land of Israel; from that experience she became a stronger advocate admonishing others about the salvation of Jesus Christ and being ready for His return. She remained a faithful member of Pastor Wood’s church until he passed.
As the years progressed, Johnnie Mae met Malachi Johnson in the 1970’s, her second husband who became her best friend, confidant, and life partner. He stepped in to help Johnnie Mae and her family, adding to their quality of life. Johnnie Mae and Malachi remained a union until her transition.
With her passing, Johnnie Mae is survived by her husband Malachi Johnson; three daughters: Georgette Brooks-Pearson (husband Ian Pearson), Janette Yamashita (husband Dale Yamashita), and Evette Dean; seven grandchildren: JaeLeesa Smith, Jerrell Smith, Le’Vont Pearson, Shanaye Lewis, Jada Yamashita, Bria Dean and DJ Dean; two great-grandchildren: JaeLeena Anderson and Jace Mathews; and her sister Margaret Washington, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Juan Balton and Lizzie (Slade) Haggerty; and siblings: Willie Haggerty (brother) and Wendell Williams (brother).
Even though she is gone, her memory will always remain in the hearts of those she touched.
