A special tribute to our Mother Mrs. Thelma Kirby Johnson

By John and Cynthia Johnson

Mrs. Thelma Kirby Johnson is the reigning living Matriarch of the Kirby and Johnson families. At the age of  102, she remains vibrant, strong, and as loving as the rising sun. Our Mother was  born  to Luther and Annie Dee Kirby on February 23, 1922, in  Ocala, Florida. She is the second oldest of  seven children. Her parents thought from the beginning that she was special. Pictures of our Mother’s past and present say it all. Not only is she special,  but she’s also living proof of God’s grace, mercy, and divine blessings.

Upon graduating from Howard Academy High School in Ocala 1941, she visited her Aunt in Orlando, Florida. This was an eye-opening  experience  and influenced Mother’s thoughts of becoming a cosmetologist. Little did she know also that her future husband, John Johnson Sr., would  capture her heart and seek  her hand in marriage. Mother’s father granted his approval and on  August 17,1942, they were married and moved to Tallahassee, Florida. To this union were born two children, John and Cynthia.

In search of better job opportunities, our Mother and Dad moved to Miami, Florida. This move paved the way for  them to purchase their home where she currently resides. Mother,  a prayerful woman, was never one to despair. She became  a member of New Way Fellowship Baptist Church  in 1978. Her  interests in music motivated her to become a member of the Senior Choir. Mother also served on the Usher Board.

In 1967 she was hired at the South Florida State Hospital as a Psychiatric Aide. Having gained additional experience and training, she received a promotion to Charge Aide. Subsequently, because of skills she was promoted to the position of Medication Distributor. Her career spanned twenty-five years, before retiring at the age of seventy.

As a healthy retiree, this proud woman turned her interests toward learning to play the piano. Mother is an avid sports fan. The Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins are her favorite teams. While watching the Heat,  at 102 years of age, she’s   often  heard screaming, “they’re not covering the Paint; Or the Dolphins can’t buy a touch down.”

When asked what she attributes to living well past one hundred, she states, “receiving blessings from God, eating healthy, exercising and respecting one’s neighbors. Mother says it also helps having devoted Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.