Lorethe (Isom) Johnson

Lorethe (Isom) Johnson, 85, of Whitmarsh Street in Providence, Rhode Island departed this life on Friday, October 11, 2019 at home.

The fifth child and the baby of Leroy and Gencie (Perry) Isom, Lorethe was born in Providence, RI on March 3, 1934. She was educated in the Providence Public Schools and earned her General Equivalency Diploma.

Lorethe married Henry Vincent Johnson and from this union two children were born, Gencie Edith Johnson and Henry Vincent Johnson, Jr. Henry and Lorethe were married for over 50 years.

Lorethe worked for the School House Candy Company in Pawtucket, RI for 42 years, rising to the position of Head Floor Lady, where she essentially supervised the operation. She was loved by her co-workers and management.

Lorethe made extraordinary Easter Baskets for her children, nieces and nephews, and the School House donated Easter Baskets to the children of Ebenezer Baptist Church for many years.

Lorethe was an active member of her beloved Ebenezer Baptist Church for 72 years. As a child she sang with the Youth Choir and throughout the years served her church in numerous capacities including; a member of the Celestial Choir, the famed Ebenezer Gospelaires, the Samuel Paige Usher Board, and as the Church Clerk for many years.

Lorethe was also a long-term member of the Saint Martin DePorres Senior Center where she enjoyed and appreciated the fellowship, programs, trips and services. She loved nothing more that a good card game of Cockroach with her dear friends. She was also a member of the Lts. Armstrong-Gladding Auxiliary Unit 69.  

Lorethe was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings; Queen Ester Bloodworth, Odessa Jennings, Leroy Isom, Jr., and Ostina Soares. Nephews Willie Bloodworth, Horace Jennings, Leroy (Tommy) Isom and a niece Deborah Bliss.

In Addition to her children Lorethe leaves to cherish her memory 4 grandchildren Marvin Johnson, Shanon Connor, Sharah Connor and Evan Smith, 1 great grandchild Julius Pringle. She also leaves 2 nephews Stephan Isom and Austin Soares, and 1 niece Deartra Soares. Five sisters in laws and 2 brothers in laws and their spouses. She also leaves her best friend Guantice “Marie” Jones who was by her side through the good and bad times, Her Godchild Tracey Jones was very special to her and she loved Tracey very much.

Lorethe, who was the matriarch of the Isom Family, was a warm, sweet, intelligent person who was deeply loved and will be missed by hundreds of family members and friends. She will also be remembered for the stylish and innovative way she created earrings to match every one of her fashionable outfits.

MAY SHE REST IN PEACE!

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