Sharon Ross-Johnson

Our hearts are broken as we all mourn the loss of our beloved Sharon. She passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022. Her bright light and big heart has gone to be with the Lord, but we will remember her warmth, love, and generosity. Sharon taught us all some fundamental lessons while she made her journey through life. Of which, the most memorable was to develop a sense of impenetrable generosity. During times of need she would say, “What can I do to help”.

The Blessed Life of Sharon Denise Ross-Johnson ‘Sista Girl’ began Friday, August 21, 1959, born to the late Wash and Florida Ross in Helena, Arkansas. She was the second child born to her parents and the ninth child born in her blended family following Rosemary, Charlene, Charlie, Johnny, Shereline, John, Everette, and Henry; followed by Mary, Marilyn, and Nina.

Sharon was nicknamed ‘Sista Girl’ by her family as a child. As the years went on, she would acquire many more nicknames. She grew up on a farm in Lambrook, Arkansas with her family. Sharon was reared in a household where Christian values, education, hard work, and the love and support of family were a priority and these attributes became the foundation on which she built her life. During her early years growing up on the farm in Lambrook, she worked in the fields, took care of animals, and helped with the canning of foods. Many memorable days were spent with her sisters and brothers. Sista was a warm and generous person and would spread her love and care generously.

Sista attended the Elaine Public Schools where she graduated in the class of 1978. After graduating from high school, Sista attended Phillips County Community College where she received an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science in 1980. She then attended Arkansas College of Technology receiving a Computer Programming degree in 1981. Sista moved to California in August, 1982. In April of 1983 she married Jeffery Johnson. She worked in retail and in healthcare while simultaneously getting her teacher certification. After obtaining her teaching degree she taught ten years (1997 - 2007) at Atherton Academy as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher. Sista moved back to Arkansas in 2010. She continued working in healthcare until September, 2022. She was employed by Visiting Angels in Little Rocks, AR as an In-home Care Provider. 

Aside from loving to be with her family, Sista had many things that she enjoyed doing. Sista loved to travel and simply enjoy life. Sewing and crafting was something she loved to do in her spare time. She loved braiding and styling hair and set up a braiding salon in her home for her students. She loved growing house plants and had a real green thumb. She also enjoyed fishing. Most of all, Sista Girl was very crafty with the love she showed to family and friends, never meeting a stranger.  She had a special relationship with all of her nieces and nephews and they will miss her dearly.

At the tender age of 10, Sista accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized by water under the leadership of the late Rev. Joe Willie Webb, former pastor of Brooks Chapel M. B. Church in Lambrook, AR. She was active in her local church throughout her childhood and young adult life. After moving to Oakland, CA she united with the Acts Full Gospel Church under the leadership of Bishop Bob Jackson. She enjoyed fellowshipping with her church family. Her relationship with God was very visible through her stewardship.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; her Husband; Sisters, Rosemary Goodwine and Mattley Ross; Brothers, Everette Clark, Rev. Willie Ross, Sr., Henry Ross. and Wash Ross, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories and forever keep her legacy alive, Sisters, Alia Jackson, Hampton, VA; Charlene Powell, Saginaw, MI; Shereline (Melvin) Gum, Lakeview, AR; Mary (Robert) Slater, Memphis, TN; Marilyn (James) Golden, and Nina Ross, Benton Harbor, MI; Bobbie Holmes and Alma Hinton, Los Angeles, CA; Rose Jackson and Donna Ross, Helena, AR; Brothers, Bobbie Ross, Los Angeles, CA; Charlie (Jeanette) Clark, Saginaw, MI; Johnny (Cheryl) Ross, Raytown, TX; John Clark, Saginaw, MI; James (Odessa) Ross, San Antonio, TX; Feliz Ross and Kenneth Ross, Helena, AR; Stepchildren, Catonya Clemons, Memphis, TN, Tawanda (Rufus) Washington, Clarksville, TN; Step grandchildren, Alexis Johnson and Kendarius Reed; Sisters-in-law, Luella Ross, Blytheville, AR; Jerlester Gordon-Freeman, Marvell, AR; Rose (Tommy), Helena, AR; Marilyn Anderson, Sacramento, CA; Evelyn Johnson, Memphis, TN; Brothers-in-law, Vincent (Karen) Johnson, Memphis, TN; Terry (Cynthia) Johnson, Little Rock, AR; Jimmy Johnson, Ft. Wayne, IN; God Brother, Thomas Brown Jr., Elaine, AR; God Sister, Latunga Brown, Pine Bluff, AR; Uncle, Henry (Brenda) Burrell, Helena, AR; Aunt Estella Ross-Davis, Helena, AR. Special friends, Faye Calimee, Little Rock, AR and Mary Mills, Oakland, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

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