Lillie Mae Johnson, age 99, went home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2025, after an extended illness.

Lillie was born on May 23, 1926, in Carbondale, Illinois, to the late William and Venia Anders. She was one of eight children—four boys and four girls.

Lillie attended school in Carbondale, IL, and later married Harry Cavitt Sr. They moved to Detroit, Michigan, and had two children: Anita and Harry Jr. After their marriage ended, Lillie and her two children moved to Canton, OH, to be with her older sister. There, she married Edward Johnson Sr., and from this union, four children were born: Sharon, Rita, Edward Jr., and Harry.

Lillie became a Christian at an early age and served faithfully in many ministries, including the Usher Board, Sunday School, the choir, Christian Women's Fellowship (C.W.F.), and as secretary for many years. She also played the piano and organ. Lillie loved the church deeply and worked diligently doing the Lord's work until her health declined.

For several years, Lillie worked as a teacher's aide at Lathrop School, where she enjoyed working with children and teachers. During this time, three of her children also attended Lathrop. She often shared how much joy it brought her to be in the same building with them.

During her husband Edward's illness, Lillie pursued a new career in nursing, enrolling in the Timken School of Nursing with the encouragement of her children. Despite the challenges of parenting and caregiving, she never missed a day of class and was honored at graduation for her perfect attendance. Just one week later, she began working at Quitman Hospital on the orthopedic floor, where she later retired in 1989.

Although she gave up nursing, she continued to serve the church, sing in the choir, and attend worship and Sunday School until her health prevented her.

Lillie was preceded in death by her husbands, Edward Johnson Sr. and Harry Cavitt Sr.; all seven of her siblings; her children Harry Cavitt Jr., Edward Johnson Jr., Sharon Harper, and Rita Yevonne Johnson; her grandson Andre Minor; her granddaughter Cynthia Bradley; and her great-grandchildren Diamond Johnson and Terrell Ulman.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Anita Earley, her son Harry Johnson (Yolanda), a host of nieces and nephews, 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 33 great-great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to family, church family, friends and Absolute Hospice for the love, compassion, and excellent care provided during Lillie's final days.