Ms. Gertrude T. Johnson

MS. GERTRUDE T. JOHNSON WAS BORN on February 1, 1934 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina to the late John and Rachel Clark. She married James A. Robinson during her youth which led to the birth of their 4 sons; James Jr., Warren, Edward and Phillip. Gertrude remarried the late Calvin Johnson in 1965. Gertrude was well known throughout her community; specifically East End Newport News, for her generosity and welcoming nature.  Her passion for soul food cooking led her to open Gertrude’s Kitchen which was once located on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News. Her desire to ensure people were fed reached beyond the doors of her restaurant. When not running her business, she could be found feeding the hungry around town or ensuring they knew where to get a warm meal. Her business expertise extended past the food industry as she also managed Holley Flooring Company with her life partner, Richard Holley for over 20 years. Once retiring her hand in the business world, she began volunteering with the Foster Grandparent Program that was founded within the Newport News School System. She enjoyed spending time reading and enriching the lives of those that attended Magruder Primary school located on Chestnut Avenue for over 10 years.

Her faith and love for God were of great importance to her. She was a member of Saint Paul AME Church for over 50 years. Throughout the day, you could find her sitting on her front porch talking to God and enjoying the beauty that He created.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories her 2 son’s; Warren A. Robinson and Edward A. Robinson (Yvonne) both of Newport News, Virginia and a daughter Sarah Renee Holley- Johnson.

In addition to her children, she leaves her treasured Grandson’s; Damien Robinson, Bruce Robinson (Salina), Phillip Robinson, Jr.  (Na’tafa), Cedric Robinson and Gabriel Tyrik Sidney Johnson.

To honor her legacy, she leaves her Granddaughters; Kareeda Robinson, Phyllis Wesley (Brandon), Shontia Ormon (Derrick),Kenika Robinson and Kimberly Robinson along with 25 Great Grandchildren.

Her beloved Daughter in Laws; Denise Robinson Jones, Pauline Robinson and Mary Beul; Sister: Eula Mae Brown and Honorary Daughter, Trina Garrett along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Family and Friends will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her two sons, James A. Robinson, Jr and Phillip A Robinson; Brothers and Sisters, James and John Turner, Lillian Jacobs and Arlene McClar

Viewing for Mrs. Johnson will be held from 1:00p.m. until 5:00p.m. Tuesday, July  20, 2021 at C.C.Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

Services for Mrs. Johnson will be held noon Wednesday, July, 21, 2021 at New Hope Baptist Church, 1415 Big Bethel Rd. Hampton, VA.

Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. 

It is the desire of the Johnson family that you would keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ms. Gertrude T.  Johnson has entrusted her final care to the staff of C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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