Bernice Johnson

Bernice Johnson, 77, of Second St, Fremont died August 10, 2006 at her home. She was born January 4, 1929 in Leeds, Al to Joseph L. and Lillie (Bell) Bowie. She married Willie Johnson on June 13, 1946 in Birmingham, AL and he survives.

“Miss Bernice”, as everyone called her, was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where she served as a trustee. She was one of the first African American Entrepreneurs in Fremont starting with Johnson Concessions at the Sandusky County Fair way back when “Sno Cones” were only 10 cents. She then moved on to open the Corral Diner in the late 60’s and in 1985 she opened Zesta’s Fishin’ Kitchen all in Fremont.

She leaves to mourn in her memory her loving family, husband, Willie Johnson, Fremont; Sons, John (Janet) Covington, Cincinnati, OH, Lenard Johnson, Fremont, Mark Johnson, San Francisco, CA, Mitchell (Tina) Johnson, Berlin, Germany; Daughters, Joan (John) Hatten, Cleveland, OH, Zesta Johnson (Sashay), Fremont; Daughter-in-Law, Elza Johnson; Son-in-Law, Charles Yousey both of Fremont; Brothers, W.C. Bowie, Walnut Creek, CA; Robert Bowie, Toledo, OH; Sisters, Billie Parks, Fremont, Dorothy Tankersley, Detroit, MI; Brother-in-law, Luther Clyde McKinstry, Fremont; God Mother, Mamie Ryan, Huntsville, AL; 26 Grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren, one Great-Great Grandchild; Host of nieces, nephews and children that she raised; many other friends and loved ones.

She was preceded by her Parents; Brothers, J.T., Frank, Joseph, and Charles Bowie; Sister, Lillie Mae McKinstry.

Visitation: Friday from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Church.

Services: Friday, Aug. 18, 2006 at Cathedral of Praise, East State Route 53 South and CR 41, Fremont at 2:00 p.m.

Burial: McPherson Cemetery, Clyde, Oh

Memorials: To the family