Marguerite Johnson (Winston)

Mother Marguerite Johnson was born to the late Joseph Winston and Florence Lee (Willis) Winston on the 31st day of August 1933 in Elizabeth, NJ. On the 10th of August 2023 she peacefully made her transition to her Heavenly home where the streets are paved with gold.

She attended and was baptized at a young age at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Roselle, NJ. She was educated in the Roselle Public School System and attended the Boston Conservatory in Boston, MA. later obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the College of St. Rose.
While in Boston she met her loving husband Leslie (LC) and they married in 1957. They shared 64 years of holy matrimony and to this union 3 children were born: 2 sons and 1 daughter. She opened her home to nurture and raise a few family members, friends, and foster children.

Mother Johnson was a loyal servant of God. She was a devout member of Wilborn Temple First Church of God In Christ for 65 years and served as the District President of the YWCC/CWC and she attended the Mid-Hudson Bible Institute.

She played a big part in many Capital Region churches teaching three-part harmonies. Marguerite was appointed the Director of Music at Wilborn Temple in the early 1970’s and held that position for 20 years. Marguerite’s specialty was training music students (especially the very young) in Voice, Piano and Choir Directing. Many of the members of Wilborn Temple Choirs went on to develop strong voices and become accomplished pianist and choir directors. Under the leadership of Elder Emmett H. Jeffress she was given permission to lend her services to assist various Capital District churches with developing their musical talents just to name a few, Sojourner Truth, Walls Temple, Duryee and Mt. Olivet Missionary.

She student taught Kindergarten at Saddle-wood Elementary and music at St. Anthony’s, as well as provided individual piano lessons. Marguerite was known for sharing her wisdom and gift of music everywhere. She loved to travel, attend the COGIC Women’s Convention & Holy Convocation, sharing gospel records/cassettes with Buddy, Wayne and Darlene, reading religious books, watching wheel of future, and playing video games. She provided childcare services for many young adults in the area so they would be able to work and know that their child(ren) were in a safe and caring environment.

Marguerite Johnson joins her husband: Elder Leslie C. Johnson, her parents: Deacon Joseph Winston & Florence Lee (Willis) Winston, Brothers: Joseph, Charles, and John, Sisters: Evelyn, Alicia, Mildred, Frances and Helen all who preceded her and welcome her home to Heaven.

Marguerite (Winston) Johnson is survived by many loving family members, which include; 3 children; James E. Johnson, Adrienne L. Johnson and Jeffrey L. Johnson. 6 grandchildren; Tiffany Joi (Jason) Hall, Tenille (John) Nieckarz, Marshae (Tyrone) White, Na’Shaiah Johnson, Brionna Neal and Malcolm Johnson. 11 Great-Children and one on the way.

Sister in Law: Lucille Winston, Cousin: Eudora Winston, Foster children: Stacey Thompson, Carla D. McClain, Tonya Hines, Deborah Lee, Janie Dempsey, Ronald Cartwright, Steven McCray, Alisha Ellison (deceased) and her loving God-Children: Sharon Rogers, Darlene Dees, Andre & Sean Gary, Marcus Miesel, Velton Cade and Jaleesa Horton and a host of loving nieces, nephews, friends and her spiritual extended families.

“If I can help somebody as I travel along the way then my will not be in vain.”

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