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Myrtle Lee Ward-Johnson


Sunrise: March 24, 1941

Sunset: February 12, 2021

On February 12, 2021, God saw fit to call our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Myrtle Lee Ward-Johnson, from labor to rest.

Born March 24, 1941, in Rock Hill, SC, to the late Andrew and Uarriah Ward, she was united in marriage to the late Matthew R. Johnson.  From that Union, they were blessed with their beautiful, one and only daughter, Monica.  She was also predeceased by her youngest brother,  Alfred Ward, Sr.

At the age of three, Myrtle relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, attended Norfolk Public Schools and in 1958, became a graduate of  Booker T. Washington High School.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now known as Norfolk State University.  At the age of 21, she became an educator in Norfolk Public School System. During her career, she taught Second-Fifth Grade at Diggs Parks, Crossroads, James Monroe, and Popular Halls Elementary Schools.  After 36 years of teaching Elementary School, her passion for education continued to impact students as she transitioned to teach General Education Diploma Preparatory Classes at Norfolk Public Schools Adult Learning Center, where she remained for 14 years.  She entered full retirement after 50 years of dedicated service within Norfolk Public School System, and began to focus on time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Myrtle’s heart for community service was evident in the many organizations she volunteered.  She was a dedicated Charter Member for the Virginia Beach Chapter of  Les GEMMS, Inc, where she served as Secretary for several years.  She was also a member and Recording Secretary of the Booker T. Washington High School Reunion Class of 1958.  Additionally, Myrtle was a member of The Concerned Citizens of Booker T. Washington High School, who prided themselves with continuing the rich legacy of their school.

Myrtle was a faithful, lifelong member of Metropolitan AMEZ Church, where she served in the Women’s Fellowship.  Myrtle loved shopping, wearing stylish ensembles, finding the best deals and was never seen without a gorgeous hat. She was indeed a “woman of fashion.”    Her daughter, Monica, was truly the “Apple of her Eye”.  She spent countless hours reading, teaching, playing, and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She appreciated her son in-law, Terrance “T, who assisted Monica with caring for Myrtle during her illness.

She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life, her daughter, Monica J. Simons; her son in law, Terrance “T ”Simons, Sr., her heartbeats,  grandsons Khiry and Khalil Gadsden; great grandchildren Kameron Harrison, Khalejah Gadsden, and Kiari Gadsden.  Other survivors include grandchildren, Daonna Jones and Terrance Simons, Jr., sisters, Doris Mims, Margie Robinson (Lee), Doris Mims, Barbara Freeman (Daniel), Elaine Middleton; brother, James Ward (Vernell); and dedicated, sincere, special friend, Mr. James E. Peele, and a host of other relatives and friends.  She will be missed by her loving grand dogs, Biggie and Missy. 

Viewing Sunday, February 21, 2021 12 Noon - 5:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Monday, February 22, 2021 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Rosewood Memorial Gardens 631 N Witchduck Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23462 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance.

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Condolences(6)

  1. reply
    Ann McInnis says

    My deepest condolences are extended to Myrtle’s family and friends. Not only were we classmates at BTW, we grew up in the same church (Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion) and shared many memories of our time there.
    Monica and family and James,
    may you find comfort as you stay tuned to Jesus and cherish memories of your life with Myrtle.??

  2. reply
    Bob Credle says

    May God’s richest blessings, be with the family of our beloved ‘BTW58 Classmate, as our Father, reclaims His own. Thank Him, for time well spent with her.

  3. reply
    Inga Bridgett says

    Monica and Family, we send our deepest condolences. May the peace of God be your comfort. We love you all and will miss Myrtle dearly. There are so many good memories of family and of course our Mothers friendship which she remembers so fondly.
    Yours,
    Inga and Roma Bridgett and Amber Rodriguez

  4. reply
    Jack Johnson Sr. says

    May God’s peace and comfort rest upon Myrtle’s family. As a classmate, It was a honor to have known her and enjoyed all the fifth Sundays she,James, myself and my wife, Helen, worshiped and praised God together at a classmate’s home church. What a spirit filled believer!
    RIP,
    Jack and Helen Johnson

  5. reply
    Robert Slattery says

    My deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson was an amazing teacher at Poplar Halls. She was strict, but fair and molded us along the way to our further scholastic careers. She was a fixture there and was always proud to see her former students coming back to visit. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May He envelop you in His arms.
    Robert Slattery.

  6. reply
    Archie Dianne Bacon says

    The Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1968 sends condolences to our classmate James Ward for the passing of your sister Myrtle. We are praying for you and your family. Please know that you are in our hearts as you bereave the loss of your loved one..
    BTW68

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