Erma Jean Johnson

Erma Jean Richardson was born in Barnsville, GA on November 8, 1940 to the late Willie T. and Ruth Richardson.  She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Willie T. Richardson, Jr. and John T. (JR) Richardson; sister, Viola Clark, nephew, John T. Richardson, Jr. (JJ); aunt, Magnolia Taylor; and brothers-in-law, Darryl Whetstone, Sr., Labaron Steele, Sr., Hosea Clark, Sr. and Jessie J. Gibson, Jr.

She graduated from Cincinnati Public Schools.  Erma worked at Shillito’s, now known as Macy's.  She retired and then worked for Goodwill, Rally’s and Deaconess Hospital in dietary and loved serving the patients their meals.

At the early age of 10, she accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at Greater New Hope Baptist Church by the late Rev. J. M. Stephens.  Later, she joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and became a dedicated member under Pastor Taijuan O. Fuller.  Erma served on the Senior Usher Board and participated in the Golden Saints Senior Ministry.  She loved to praise the Lord and hear the choir sing, “Every Praise” and “We’ve Come This Far By Faith”. 

Erma was married to the late Donald “Groundhog” Johnson.  During their marriage, they shared the same passion for baseball and softball.  He managed and coached her teams and won the world championship several times.

Erma was well known as “Big Mama Johnson”.  She was inducted into The Women’s Hudepohl Hall of Fame.  She played softball for Dana Gardens, SQ Pontiac and Jake Sweeney.  Mr. Jake Sweeney’s slogan was “Beat on the ball y’all.  Beat on the ball.”  Erma was selected to be on the All World Softball Team.

Erma loved to cook for her family.  Her sweet chili was one of the family’s favorite dishes that she prepared.  She also loved to dine at Red Lobster.  She loved listening to music and being with her girlfriends.  One of her favorite songs was “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”.  Erma was also a member of the Elks Lodge, Lockland, Ohio and loved to fellowship with everyone she came in contact with.

She leaves to celebrate her life:  her children, Renardo (Beverleigh) Richardson and Dwayne (Diane) Richardson; four siblings, Betty Gibson, Matilda Steele, Carl (Deborah) Richardson and Ruth e. Whetstone; and sister-in-law, Mary Richardson.  She was blessed with three grandchildren, Dwayne Fredrick Richardson, Dwight Richardson and Christa Nicole Richardson, her loving granddaughter.  She also has seven precious great-grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Erma is now playing softball in heaven on the best team one could ever be on.  Well done Mama, We Love You Forever! – Your Sons, Ricky and Dwayne

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