Rebecca Melinda Johnson, personal caregiver
Rebecca Melinda Johnson, affectionately known by most people as “Becky,” was born Feb. 2, 1968, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford. She was the daughter of the late Anna Johnson and Dorsey Wharton. On Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, she silently waved this old world “Bye-Bye” at the tender age of 51 years.
Rebecca obtained her formal education in Sussex County, while attending various schools in the Laurel School District. She was a former member of Trinity Holiness Church in Laurel under the pastorship of the late Bishop Thomas T. Thompson and Mother Rebecca Thompson (her godmother) whom she was named after. Becky was attending Rehoboth Temple of Praise at the time of her demise under the pastorship of Bishop Leon J. Wilson.
Loved by so many people, she was affectionately known as Mommy, Mom Becky, Mom-Mom, Aunt Becky, Cousin Becky and Little Woman. Our Mother was truly “The Wind Beneath Our Wings.” She always encouraged us to be the best and always strive for success in whatever we do.
She worked various jobs throughout her life. However, her most passionate and impressionable position was that of being an individual personal caretaker. She was the caretaker for several families in the Laurel community, and a respite caretaker for Ruth T. “Nana” Ray, in Chester, Pa., for over 10 years. Her love for caring for the elderly was evident. She not only loved working for them and making their lives more enjoyable; she liked the idea of being available to help them carry out their daily activities to the best of their abilities.
Many of you know that our mother was an awesome mother and her children came first no matter what obstacles she faced. She would often tell her children that she was going to live to be 350 years old. Through the many silent tears, she always managed to strike up a smile as if everything’s OK. Of course, in our opinion she was the best mother a child could have; she loved us unconditionally. It was evident that this opinion was shared by other children because her home was always filled with other children calling her “Mom” and she considered them her extended family. The main house rule for the tribe of children was, “Just don’t bother me while I’m sleeping.” Becky was also one of the best grandmothers a child could have. She enjoyed and loved her grandbabies (two girls, Amiyah and Symmore) with everything in her.
Rebecca leaves to cherish her legacy two daughters, Ebony A. Bivens (Kevin) of Laurel and Jessica Johnson (fiancé Rico Roberts) of Laurel; one son, Aswad “Kemor” Johnson, Laurel; two brothers, Norman “Junior” Whittington of Salisbury, Md., and Lemont “Tony” Whittington (Camika) of Federalsburg, Md.; one sister, Helen M. Johnson-Ray of Laurel; a cherished loved one whom she loved like a brother, Michael “Mickey” Waples who provided her daily supply of Pepsi and Mountain Dew sodas; one goddaughter, Na’Caliah “Kayla” Nicole Horsey; one uncle, Charles “T-Bone” Johnson of North Carolina; one aunt, Betty “Sue” Johnson of Delmar; two granddaughters, Amyiah Lee’Aire Bivens and Symmore Nicole Roberts of Laurel; a God-brother, Frederick Bernard Allen of Mobile, Ala.; her BFFs Martina Cannon whom she called “Mar-Mar” of Delmar; Brandi Griffin of Millsboro; Roberta “Bertie” Archer of Sanford, Fla.; and Maxine “Mom” Duncan of Salisbury, Md.; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, adopted children, family and friends.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents Anna Johnson and Dorsey Wharton; her aunts, Elizabeth Reed (James), Catherine Robertson (Willie) and Martha “Margie” Hitch; her uncles, James Johnson, William Johnson and Walter Johnson, her mother’s twin brother.
Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, with a viewing from 10 to 11:45 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at noon, at United Deliverance Bible Center, 532 W. 7th St., Laurel.
