Annie Martha Johnson (1889 - 1988)

Born 10 Dec 1889 in Hartsville, Darlington, South Carolina, United States

Ancestors

Died 26 Jul 1988 at age 98 in Hartsville, Darlington, South Carolina

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Biography

Miss Annie Johnson (written by John H. Jackson on the occasion of her 96th birthday)

On December 10, 1889, 96 years ago today, Miss Annie Johnson was born to Laura Carolina Johnson (otherwise knows as "Miss Dodie") and Mr. Wesley Johnson.

Miss Annie was one of ten children, having seven brothers and two sisters. They lived most of their lives in an old fashioned house where Albert and Blanch Atkinson's house stands today.

Miss Annie's life of service began with her family as she cared for her invalid brother. Later, she and her beloved sister "Miss Sally" cared for the children of first, brother Robert after his death, and then also helped raise the children of their sister Margaret after the death of her husband. Robert's children were Jackie, Mary, and Robert. Margaret's were Magdeline, Buddy, and Annie Jane. Miss Annie faithfully offered her love to these children and became known as "Nannie" to them. The care and love that Miss Annie receives today is a testimony to the love and appreciation her extended family has for her.

Miss Annie made a living for her family mostly by operating the school lunch program at New Market School where Mrs. Adelide Johnson was principal. Many children enjoyed her good meals, and later, she started working at a grocery store known as Redfearn Grocery, run by Mr. Ben Redfearn. She was famous as the Doughnut Lady, and she satisfied the appetite of many Hartsville people.

When the women organized a Women's Society of Christian Service, Miss Annie joined and is a Charter Member of the organization that we know today as the United Methodist Women. This was organized with 15 members in 1941 and the meetings were held at New Market School. Those who reminisce can find themselves remembering Miss Annie's work as the mission leader. At each meeting she would take a free-will offering that was sent to missions about four times a year.

Miss Annie is remembered as a caring and sharing person, and many remember the kind deeds she did to make life pleasant for them. During the winter months when butchering time came along, she helped everyone with making liver pudding, press meat, and drying up lard. Some of her friends, now deceased, found it a time of joy and fellowship to work together during butchering time.

Most of all, Miss Annie felt the need for regular attendance to her church at New Market. She and Miss Sally were faithful attendees until Miss Sally passed away. Both she and Miss Sally were fantastic cooks, and most of their friends were remembered with a Rocky Road cake at Christmas. People like Miss Annie helped make New Market church a better place, and we are grateful to her

Sources

• Personal account of Mary Johnson Askins who was raised by Annie Johnson

• Personal account of a cousin, John H. Jackson.

• US Census -1900; Hartsville, Darlington, South Carolina; Roll: 1525; Page: 21A; Enumeration District: 0020; FHL microfilm: 1241525

• Social Security Death Index, Master File. Social Security Administration.