Floyd Jeneatta Johnson

Floyd Jeanetta Johnson

After a long and prosperous life, Floyd Jeneatta Johnson passed peacefully in Longview, Texas on August 8, 2019 at the age of 94.

Born to Lee and Maggie Flanagan, Floyd was accompanied in birth by her twin brother, Lloyd, on August 27, 1924 in Stewart, Texas. She was an active member of the Church of Christ at Harris Chapel where she dedicated her life to Christ in the cool waters of Lake Cherokee. Floyd Jeneatta is survived by her four loving children Laverne (Walter) Gillaspie of Henderson, TX, Melvin Jr. (Shirley) Wright of Big Sandy, TX, Frances Koledoye of Longview, TX, and Sandra Parker of Allen, TX. She also leaves behind 7 devoted grandchildren: Tammie Gillaspie, Donald Gillaspie, Carlos (Tammy) Wright, T. LaTonia (Reginald) Anderson, Brian (Courtney) Wright, Dr. Kimberly Koledoye, Symone Parker, and honorary grandchildren, Kendra Brown and Tope Keyes. She was blessed beyond measure to give fond memories to her five great grandchildren Kennedy Anderson, Cayden Harris, Christian Anderson, Cameron Brooks, & Tamara Miller. Floyd Jeneatta was blessed with a host of adored nieces, nephews, and cousins who checked on her often and made her feel loved.

Floyd Jeanetta is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Ralph, Taft, Lloyd, and Charles Flanagan. She is also preceded in death by her first husband Melvin Wright of Longview, TX and second husband Herman Johnson of Longview, TX/Saginaw, MI.

Floyd Jeneatta, a gifted student, knew that higher education was the key to success and left what she affectionately called “Out Home” (Fredonia) to attend Jarvis Christian College. While studying, she met and later married her college sweetheart, Melvin Wright, after they both received their Bachelor of Arts degrees in Education. At a time when very few people of color even attempted college, Floyd Jeneatta set the bar by achieving two Master of Arts degrees in Education from both Bishop College and Eastern Michigan University.

Upon graduation, Mrs. Johnson began what would become a stellar 35-year teaching career as a special education teacher in the Mayflower Schools, Longview ISD, and Saginaw Public Schools. Her dedication to education and serving others was an example for all, which resulted in many family members following the path she paved into both the education profession and higher education. She was proud that all of her grandchildren attended college and received the Lord through baptism.

Jeneatta was blessed with two great loves as God saw fit to bring her Herman Johnson, whom she married in 1959. She was a pillar of the Saginaw and Buena Vista communities where she continued to serve the Lord as a member of the South 17th St. Church of Christ. Despite being hundreds of miles away from her beloved Texas, Floyd Jeneatta made a home for herself and her family. When she wasn’t in her garden, she could be found in the kitchen baking for her loved ones. She has several cherished family and friends who became like children to her including Mary and Richard Jackson and Sam and Mattie Snowden. After retiring, Jeneatta felt a strong desire to reconnect with her roots ultimately deciding to move home to Big Sandy, TX. There she was able to live amongst her treasured family and continue to serve the Lord at Lyles St. Church of Christ.

There are some who bring such a light into the world that even after they are gone, the light remains. Floyd Jeneatta Johnson was an inspiration to her family and community. Her light and life will live on in those who knew and loved her.

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