Eliza Annette Johnson

Eliza Annette Johnson born in Yantley, Alabama (Choctaw nation) to the late Henry Johnson and Ejella Johnson, July 7, 1924 passed away November 3, 2021 Faithful Member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church for seventy years. She was a member of the Griffith Choir. She served on the Usher Broad as a member and president also, a devoted member of the Sunday school. She started her education at Kinterbish High School in Cuba, Alabama.

She moved to Knoxville TN. After graduating from school in 1947. She attended Lady Alyce Beauty School and began a career that spanned over 69 years. She witnessed the industry go from hairdresser to beautician to cosmetologist! She was the co-owner of Salon De Beaute with Boots Jones for several years, located in First AME Zion Church on McCalla Ave. She relocated to Magnolia Ave. with then co-owner Bettye Hall. She retired from Hair Fashion East (Gwen Harshaw, owner) at the age of 89. She was also a member of the Tennessee Beautician Association, Beautician League Chapter #4, and the Top Ten Hairdresser’s Association for 50 years or more. Making people feel good about their appearance was a ministry for her.

Preceded in death by parents, Uncle and Aunt Theodore and Mahala Waters, sisters, Lottie Alexander. Elizabeth Townsend, and Bessie Clay, Grandson Obafemi (Oran) Awolowo, great grandson Napoleon Moore.

She leaves to her cherish memory: three loving daughters, Yawah Awolowo of Cuba, AL, Sheila Willis and Mona Kutosati, both of Knoxville, TN; one loving son, Elgin Johnson of Knoxville, TN: a devoted niece, who was more like a daughter, Rev. Dr. Vivian Williams of Knoxville, TN; 15 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 26 great-great grandchildren; sister, Clara Black of Lowell, MA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.