Stella Washington Johnson

Stella Evangeline Washington Johnson, 87, of Charlottesville, Virginia and formerly of Shipman, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Stella was born on May 26, 1937, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to the late George O. Washington and the late Mary Smith Washington. In addition to her parents, Stella is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Walter McKinley Johnson and granddaughter Brianna Gabrielle Johnson.

Stella, a devout Catholic, began serving the Lord at a very early age and was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lovingston, Virginia, where she attended regularly until her health failed. Stella graduated from St. Francis de Selas, a boarding school in Powhatan, Virginia that provided education to African American and Native American girls.

Stella and her late husband, who affectionally referred to her as “Tweety,” are survived by their three loving children, Lisa Johnson of Charlottesville, Virginia, Maria Johnson of Charlottesville, Virginia and Johnny Johnson and his wife Cindy of Alpharetta, Georgia. As well, she is survived by her bonus son, Ceaser Perkins of Shipman, Virginia. Stella was blessed with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was a devoted and caring daughter, wife and mother. Stella’s devotion to family included caring for her elderly parents in her home. She passed along this devotion to Maria, who tirelessly cared for her father and mother as they declined. Stella lived with Maria for seven years, and her “cousin” David Snowden assisted Maria in caring for her.

Stella was a kind and caring person with a beautiful smile. She freely shared her smile and compassionate nature with everyone she met. She loved caring for babies, children and the elderly. Her house was open to every child. Stella was a second mother to many in her family and in the community. She provided sound advice to all who sought her opinion. After raising her children and caring for her parents, Stella spent 25 years showing love and care to the elderly and children through her work at the Nelson County Department of Social Services, Nelson County Child Care Center and Nelson County Head Start. She also volunteered with the neighborhood 4-H Club and ensured 4-H members had opportunities they otherwise may not have without her providing food, transportation and supervision. Stella loved watching basketball. She especially loved watching her great nieces and great-great nephew play at the high school and collegiate levels. She also appreciated being outdoors and tending to her various flowers.

Stella’s life can best be described in two Bible verses, Proverbs 31:26: She openth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness and Proverbs 31:31: Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. 

A funeral mass will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lovingston, Virginia with interment following at the Powell-Johnson Family Cemetery, Shipman, Virginia. Repast will be held at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Shipman, Virginia. The viewing will be at noon, one hour prior to services.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, Virginia (434-263-4097).