Obituary for Phyllis Johnson
Phyllis Johnson, daughter of the late Howard Alford, Jr. and Gladys Stephens, was born on January 2, 1948 in Boston, MA and peacefully departed this life on March 19, 2022. She received her education in the Boston Public Schools and attended Jeremiah E. Burke High School.
She dedicated her career to helping people and was employed for many years in the human services field where she was a social worker and later went on to become a substance abuse counselor for women and children.
Phyllis accepted Christ and became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church.
She loved getting together with family and friends, listening to music and talking smack while playing cards; she swore she was a master at bid whist and spades and was very picky in selecting her (card) partner. She also loved social events, cookouts and good food.
Affectionately known as “Ma” to her loved ones, Phyllis was a loving and caring person who would give anything she had if you were in need - the shirt off her back, a place to stay and a hot meal.
Phyllis preceded in death her loving parents.
Her sibling Cornell Alford to cherish beautiful memories her three daughters, Karen, Ayesha and Ayanna Johnson all of Boston; five grandchildren Khyeme, Bryant, Ayesha (“Maggie”), Ariyanna, and Zaniyah; three great grandchildren, Keyonnah, Kahli and Honesty; sisters, Theresa (Nathaniel) Brewer, Diane Brannon of Kansas, Elnora Miles and Helen Stephens of Boston, Loretta Stephens of Virginia; brothers Vincent Stephens of Boston and Anthony Stephens of Indiana; four nieces, Chantelle, Tameka, Nichole of Boston and Monica of Guam; one nephew, Nathaniel of Boston; and her lifelong companion Wilbur Kennedy. A special thank you to our cousin, Chester Galloway, and the role he played as a long-term caregiver She also leaves a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and devoted friends.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
She dedicated her career to helping people and was employed for many years in the human services field where she was a social worker and later went on to become a substance abuse counselor for women and children.
Phyllis accepted Christ and became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church.
She loved getting together with family and friends, listening to music and talking smack while playing cards; she swore she was a master at bid whist and spades and was very picky in selecting her (card) partner. She also loved social events, cookouts and good food.
Affectionately known as “Ma” to her loved ones, Phyllis was a loving and caring person who would give anything she had if you were in need - the shirt off her back, a place to stay and a hot meal.
Phyllis preceded in death her loving parents.
Her sibling Cornell Alford to cherish beautiful memories her three daughters, Karen, Ayesha and Ayanna Johnson all of Boston; five grandchildren Khyeme, Bryant, Ayesha (“Maggie”), Ariyanna, and Zaniyah; three great grandchildren, Keyonnah, Kahli and Honesty; sisters, Theresa (Nathaniel) Brewer, Diane Brannon of Kansas, Elnora Miles and Helen Stephens of Boston, Loretta Stephens of Virginia; brothers Vincent Stephens of Boston and Anthony Stephens of Indiana; four nieces, Chantelle, Tameka, Nichole of Boston and Monica of Guam; one nephew, Nathaniel of Boston; and her lifelong companion Wilbur Kennedy. A special thank you to our cousin, Chester Galloway, and the role he played as a long-term caregiver She also leaves a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and devoted friends.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.