Wilma Jean Johnson

Wilma Jean Johnson, affectionately known as Ms. Pearl, was called home by the Lord on October 6, 2024 at the age of 87. She was the fourth child of 13 children born to the late Vertis and Victoria McKinney.

Jean was educated in the Cincinnati Public School System, attending the Old Woodward High School on Sycamore Street, in Cincinnati, OH. She was employed at Queen City Dinette, Plastic Molding, Kenner Toys and lastly, Christ Hospital Institute of Medical Research where she retired in 1996.

Jean committed herself to the Lord when she was nine years old at Second Corinthian Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend White. Later in life, she joined New Prospect Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Damon Lynch III. She loved the Lord and ensured that her children and grand-children were brought up knowing their Lord and Savior. She was a woman of strength, leadership, faith, love and truly practiced the teachings of Jesus Christ. Her favorite scripture was Matthew 25:35-40. She loved hard and unconditionally; never turning anyone away. She never met a stranger and took every opportunity to discuss the Lord with both believers and nonbelievers. She was the matriarch of the family and the person who her loved ones would go to for advice, comfort, scripture and an extra helping of love.

Jean was a woman of service. She had a strong sense of community and family. She loved to cook for her family, shared stories about her life and relatives that were here before, and gave the absolute most comforting hugs. She was a believer in keeping the ancestors alive by talking about them. Children gave her her greatest joy; she loved keeping children and was known by people who would come to love her as the woman traveling with kids. She was the neighbor/relative who helped and looked out for others when they were in a pinch, she mothered the motherless
and was granny to the young and old.
As a self-professed mother’s girl, we take comfort in knowing that she’s reunited with her mother, Victoria. She shared a beautiful life with the people around her. Her smile and laughter melted our hearts, her wisdom helped to navigate our lives, and her faith in the Lord is what covered us. Her favorite saying when departing was “have a blessed night and see you in the morning, if it’s the good Lord’s will”. She reminded us daily that ALL things occur because of the Lord and to be faithful through everything.

Jean is preceded in death by: Children – Teresa and Sandra McKinney; Grandchildren – Cierra and Kiera Watson; and Siblings – Robert McKinney, Delores Young, Vertis McKinney Sr., Joyce Johnson, Wardean Griffin, Betty McKinney, Charles McKinney, Stanley McKinney and Diane Jackson.

Jean is survived by: Children – Victor McKinney (Aunita), Dora Williams (Lawrence) and Anthony McKinney, Sr. (Janella); Grandchildren – Victoria Phar, Victor McKinney, Jr., Katrice McKinney, LaTonya Miller, Theresa Miller, Sabir Grimes, ZaaKirra Grimes, Lauren Williams, Anthony McKinney, Jr., Jordan Brown, Tennille McKinney, Jalon McKinney and Jerrin McKinney; Great-Grandchildren – Antonio Phar, Shantray Phar, Zimara Phar, Chrissy Phar, Malik Phar, Parker Miller, Zaire Grimes, ZaKai Grimes, Zayn Grimes, Ryan McKinney, Brandon McKinney and Dakota Berry; Siblings – Gloria Smith, Shirley Jones and Brenda Thomas; Sisters-in- Christ – Ms. Lillian Byers (oldest, dearest friend) and Ms. Lillie Edwards; and a host of bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Jean has served her purpose while here with us. She has left us with so many beautiful memories, funny moments, and joy that her presence will never be absent. It’s our duty to uplift her legacy by having a relationship with GOD, being of service to our fellow man and to strengthen our communities.

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