Devora Lee Bradley Johnson
Devora Lee Bradley Johnson, transitioned to her heavenly home due to natural causes Tuesday, April 7th. Devora, oldest of 14 children, born to the parents of David Julius Bradley and Deloris Rhône Bradley.
Devora was married to Rev. William Johnson, Jr. for 67yrs. To their union four daughters were born: Deborah, Gail, Maurette and Sherri.
Devora was a 1947 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Marlin. She earned her vocational nurse license in 1961 from Hammond Memorial Institute of Practical Nursing, Bryan.
Devora was a First Lady for 65yrs; her husband, Rev. Johnson, was first called as a pastor of a church in 1954. Devora once said, “He (referring to her husband) works on the soul, and I work on the body.”
Sis. Devora was a faithful member of Upper Zion Missionary Baptist Church for many years. She moved her membership to Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church when the church became a full time every Sunday church to serve alongside her husband, Pastor William Johnson, Jr.
Sis. Devora has work timelessly over the years as Vice President of mission auxiliary, mission president, Sunday school teacher, Director of youth department at Upper Zion Baptist Church, Treasurer of ministers wives of the Falls County District Association, Youth Director of Sunday School and BTU Congress, member of intercessors of prayer warriors, sponsored youth to attend summer camp thru Falls County Cooperative Extension Program, and served as chairperson on a number of other programs and committees. Other community clubs/organizations include: Marlin Chamber of Commerce, BTW Alumni Association, Ready to Help Club, NAACP, and Order of Eastern Star Peace Chapter #232.
Sis. Devora was known by many for providing kind comforting words to everyone she encounters. She was quoted as saying, “My thank-you, get-well, and congratulation cards, cost as much as my groceries do every week.” All cards were handwritten by her to make others feel special and loved.
Devora was employed as an LVN for 50yrs/11mos. with Torbett Hutchins-Smith Memorial Hospital, renamed Falls Community Hospital and Clinic. She retired in 2011 at age 80.
Devora was a recipient of Marlin Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 2008.
Devora was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Howard Bradley, Edward Bradley, John "Dickie" Bradley; three sisters, Vera Bradley-Randolph, Ella Mae Bradley, Emmarine Bradley-Ware.
Devora leaves to cherish her memory: her husband; daughters, Deborah Raphael of Marlin, Ouida “Gail” Garrett (Lonnie) of Waco, Maurette Lewis (Charles) of Desoto and Sherri Swinson (David) of Waco; nine grandchildren, TaNunya (William “Dejuan”), Christie (Reginald), Ricky, Staci (Corey), Christopher (Kahaya), Gaylon (Crystal), Lana (Marvin), Eisha (Kevon) and Charlesetta; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; three brothers, Elgin "Maurice" and Bertram "Ted" Bradley of Sacramento, CA and David Earl Bradley of Los Angeles, CA; four sisters - Erma Louise Bradley, Phyllis Bradley-Williams (John), Evelyn Marie Bradley-Owens (L.P.), and Diane Bradley-Swift Meza (Jesus); brother-in-law, Rev. Charlie T. Johnson of Oakland, CA and sister-in-law, Archie Mae Smith of Marlin. Devora also leaves to cherish his memory a host of relatives and friends.