Mother Johnson

Due to the United States Mandatory Restrictions, Mother Rutha Johnson’s celebration Of Life is not open to the public but everyone is more then welcome to tune in on our live stream of her service which are listed below.

family and friends can join the service live (or see the recording on Facebook or Youtube);

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/prbcaurora/

Youtube http://peacefulrest.org/live

Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/530723205

Also, you may listen to the audio by phone by calling;

Number: 312 626-6799
Meeting ID: 530 723 205
Password: 1987

Rutha Mae Johnson was born in Marlin, TX on November 16, 1932. She departed this life on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 and was preceeded in death by her husband, Roosevelt Johnson; her parents, Virgil Jefferson and Ethel Sanders Jefferson; her brothers, Virgil Jefferson Jr., Charles Jefferson, and sister, Alma Rucker; her daughters Linda Brame, Marva Toliver and Brenda Gregory; her sons Dwayne Milligan and Wayman Rucker and her granddaughter Iantha (Birdie) Durst.

Rutha was the third of four children. She loved spending time with her big mamma growing up. She was a student athlete and received her high school diploma from Booker T. Washington High School, in Dallas, Texas. Her father moved the family to Denver, CO in 1950. This is where Rutha started her own family and the real adventure began. Rutha's heart remained fond of Texas, because that's where her family roots ran deep. She loved getting on the highway and driving to her home town to see her Texas family.

Rutha was active in her community, serving at the Eastside Action Center on 21st and Welton, where she helped community members find jobs and complete employment applications. She also assisted the community with applications for food and financial assistance. She helped transport people to their appointments and grocery shopped for those in need. Rutha often gave her own money to help community members with the items they needed, such as food or clothing.

Rutha worked for the school system for many years as a Teacher's Assistant at Manual High School and Hamilton Middle School. She was also a bus aide for Denver Public Schools and had many stories of the interesting times she shared with her students. She worked at the Regional Transportation District (RTD) taking complaint calls until she retired.

Rutha was a member of the Elk's Mountain Temple #174, Lone Star Chapter #1, Order of Eastern Star, Syrian Court #40 Daughters and Prince Hall Affiliation. She loved working with these organizations because she had fun, raised money for great causes and gave away scholarships. Rutha was well traveled and had great adventures traveling with these organizations on many occasions. After each trip, she returned renewed, refreshed and with fascinating stories to share with her family. She loved to dance and was known to cut a rug whenever there was an opportunity.

Rutha had a love for cooking that was passed down from her big mamma and she was an excellent cook. She shared that love through her famous meals with her family and anyone who needed a meal, especially on holidays. All were welcome. She passed down family recipes to her children and grandchildren. Rutha, "Grandma", "Granny", "Big Mama", "Big Grandma", will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, infectious laugh and smile.

Rutha joined Union Baptist church under Reverend C.J. Walker. She later joined Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. She eventually became a member of Peaceful Rest Baptist Church, where she remained until her death. Rutha's favorite scripture was Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…"

Those left to cherish Rutha's precious memories are her grandchildren; Rauna (Andre') Draper, Chandra Jefferson, Audwin Donnell (Tammy) Gregory, Kendrick (Tanya Guerin) Brame, Nerissa (Antoine) Torrey, Natika (Richard) Rhodes, Lakesha Gregory, Devin Milligan, Virgil (Alois Johnson) Fergerson; 14 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Lester Gregory and a host of nieces, nephews, family, Elks family, church family, and best friends, Mary Lee Jackson and Edna Grace.

Celebration of Life : May 15, 2020 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Peaceful Rest Baptist Church
1195 Lima Street
Aurora, CO 80010