Lelia Johnson

Lelia Marie Johnson, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, departed from this world on

January 22, 2024, at the age of 72, at her home in Evans, GA. As a long-time former resident

of Beaufort, NC.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at

Bridgeway Church of Beaufort with Pastor William Ellison officiating. There will be a visitation one

hour prior to the service. A burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Carteret Memorial Gardens

in Beaufort.

Lelia leaves to cherish her memories her husband, James “Billy” William Johnson; her only son

Jason (Amanda) Vann; her four grandchildren Jason Vann Jr., Olivia Vann, Jackson Vann and

Maliyah Vann; her siblings Calvin (Tamika) Gaskill, Juan (Phillozia) Vann, William “Billy” Vann

Jr., Michael “Pop” (Zerna) Gaskill, Malcolm (June) Vann Sr., Guy Vann Sr., William “Dabo” Vann,

Melba Fallin, Sarah Vann, Dianna Vann; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family

members.

Lelia was preceded in death by her parents William Vann and Rosena Gaskill; her brothers, Phillip Gaskill

and Christopher “Buttermilk” Vann.

Lelia was born December 21, 1951, in Beaufort, North Carolina to William Vann and Rosena

Gaskill. She attended Carteret County public schools and upon graduation went to Durham

Technical Business School where she obtained her associate degree in business

administration. Lelia then worked as the benefits coordinator for the Carteret County Board of

Education for 34 years.

On December 28, 2003, Lelia married the love of her life, James “Billy” William Johnson Jr.

Lelia’s heart was truly centered in her family. She was a cherished wife and spent many of her

days in her kitchen cooking and baking cakes which her husband, family, and friends loved to

gather to enjoy.

A devoted mother, Lelia took immense pride in her son, Jason, and her grandmother, Lela, and

she cherished every moment she spent with them. Lelia’s other devotion was her grandchildren,

Jason Jr., Olivia, Jackson, and Maliyah who she held dear to her heart, and she instilled in them the

values of love and generosity that she embodied.

Lelia also held a special place in her heart for Alphonsa “Kitty” Ann Davis, Joey Peterson,

Madlyn Henry Johnson, Earlene Henry, Donald Henry Jr., Debra Caldwell, and Yvette Henry,

whom she considered as siblings and shared countless precious memories that will be

treasured and remembered forever.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net.

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.