Beatrice Johnson

August 21, 1921 - December 17, 2013 Legacy of A Queen If you ever wonder what it is like to be around royalty or what royalty really looks like, well some of you have been fortunate enough to know Beatrice, “The Queen Bee.” Beatrice Johnson was the essence of royalty, poised, elegant, and confident. She had an air of class and refinement that only true Queens possess. A natural beauty, with sophistication style and a disciplined quiet demeanor; noticeable, but not to be taken as a weakness. Beatrice Johnson had a unique ability to remain reserved and watchful and used wisdom when difficulties arose. Her ability to rightly discern people and situations always allowed her to see beyond deceptions and she handled every adversity without fear, full of faith that God had already equipped her for victory. Beatrice knew the “King”  “Jesus” and lived knowing that God was on her side. Her faith was unwavering and her countenance reflected that security in God. She lived her life as true royalty, a true Queen with integrity. Beatrice Johnson's life began on August 21, 1921, the youngest child of six born to Frank N. Samuels Sr., and Violet (Moore) Samuels of Gloster, Mississippi. Her brothers, Frank N. Samuels, Jr., (deceased) Dock Samuels, Oakland, California, Emerson Samuels, (deceased) and her sisters, Sadie, and Elnora “Dutt” both deceased loved her and catered to her as being the youngest and knew she had a special aura about her. A unique kindness and enormous ability to love was evident in Beatrice. Growing up on a farm, learning to appreciate God's provision from the earth as well as the livestock and other farm animals gave her a sense of richness, yet grounded her in the principals of God. The laws of sowing and reaping remained in her and gave her a value system to always sow “good and fruitful seeds” in life. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: For what a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 A high school graduate, Beatrice valued education and possessed excellent written and verbal skills. She began teaching elementary school children and later moved to Port Gibson, Mississippi with her older sisters, Sadie and Elnora. It wasn't long before she met the love of her live, Walter L. Johnson, Sr., whose love and marriage lasted over 72 years. From this marriage five children were born: Marvin L. Johnson (deceased), Walter L. Johnson, Jr., Vera A. (Johnson) Pichon, Felton C. Johnson and Barbara Johnson. Through the ambition and strong will of her husband, Beatrice and Walter became one of the first black business owners of a Dry Cleaners in Port Gibson, Mississippi. This was quite an accomplishment for blacks in the South. Beatrice was dedicated to the success and stability of the family business and worked hand and hand with her husband everyday as she continued to raise her children; she was very proficient in multi-tasking. As her children grew, Walter Jr., became ill and was diagnosed with severe asthma and the family relocated to Denver, Colorado in order for him to be treated at National Jewish Hospital and live in a climate that he could survive. The family business in Mississippi was sold and they began their new life in Colorado. After her husband Walter secured a position with the Nuesteters Department Store as a Tailor and finisher, Beatrice soon secured a position in sales in the children's department. Again they worked closely together for years before the Nuesteters Corporation was closed. Beatrice continued in sales with Lane Byant Department Store and soon thereafter retired to career homemaker. Later, after her husband's retirement from Clint Faubian's Fashion Store for Men in Cherry Creek where he managed the tailor shop, Beatrice again remained committed to her husband's side as he began a new adventure in landscaping, lawn service and snow removal. Beatrice handled the scheduling, bookkeeping and managed customer service. Beatrice and Walter were inseparable as husband and wife and business partners. Her commitment to her husband and his endeavors remained her priority while mothering was as natural for her as breathing. Her children were the center of her life and she loved being both a dedicated wife and extraordinary mother. Scratch cakes, home made tea cookies on a rainy day, fried chicken, candied yams, and mustard greens were her specialties. In fact, anything that came out of Beatrice's kitchen was just the best. Pot roast, home made biscuits, unbelievably rich butter pound cake, smothered pork chops with onion gravy could all be smelled around the block! Beatrice didn't believe in store bought anything and she labored diligently to give her family the best home-cooked meals ever. Her catfish, potato salad and cornbread would absolutely make you stuff yourself and still want more! In fact, her kids wouldn't even sample anyone else's potato salad because hers was the best, “hands down.” If Beatrice didn't make, well… just forget about it according to her children! Any morning you could wake to perfectly cooked grits with butter or gravy, sizzling sausage, eggs perfect whether scrambled or over easy, toast, homemade biscuits or scratch pancakes. She was the original “Iron Chef.” Mmmm Mmmmm! In between managing her home to perfection, attending to every need of her husband and children, Beatrice still had a desire to serve and give to humanity. Her heart was to serve mankind and to give of herself. She received many awards for her community service participation from working with the following organizations: Volunteers of America, Foster Grandparents, Disabled Veterans, The Cloverleaf Society for the Disabled and was an Independent Distributor for Mason Shoes. Beatrice also donated many hours a week working in the food bank for nine years. She was greatly involved with her church and worked as a vacation bible school group leader for adults and youth. Additionally, she assisted the Williams Ensemble with publicity for their recitals. Beatrice loved the Mass Choir, loved to sing and participated in as many Women's Day Programs as possible. She was Co-Chair of the Publicity Committee for Women's Day for several years and also was Co-Chair of Devotion. She loved being in the House of the Lord and loved to serve. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 Beatrice had a smile that was contagious. It's hard to find a picture without her smiling. She loved life, loved giving, loved serving others and it all showed. You were encouraged just being in her presence. She was a Queen with royal attributes and qualities, never stooping or lowering her character, dignity, or virtue. Beatrice was loyal, dedicated and in love with her husband. She was the ultimate lady and example of virtue to her children. Her love for her family was her strength and joy. Her love for humanity was demonstrated in her willingness to serve others. She gave everything she had, and never expected one thing in return. As a Queen should, Beatrice knew when to speak, when to remain silent, when to act and when to simply walk away with the utmost grace, dignity and beauty. Without a doubt, these qualities are that of royalty, and could have only been given her from “King Jesus.” The “Queen Bee”  Beatrice has finished her course and henceforth there is a “Crown of Righteousness” that the Lord shall present to her: The Queen has completed her reign on earth. Rest in Peace “Queen Bee“ Rest in Peace.