Mrs. Odessa Grasty Johnson, daughter of the late William W. Grasty and Viola F. Grasty was born on August 4th 1928, in Philadelphia, PA. She was formally educated in the Philadelphia Public School system and was a graduate of West Virginia State University. Odessa was a retired teacher from the Norfolk Public School system. She continued to teach and mentor long after her retirement. Odessa was a strong advocate of education and willing to assist any young person pursuing a higher education.
Her two grandchildren affectionately called her “Grand-mere”. She was a people person always willing to greet even strangers with a friendly “hello”. Odessa was a giving person. Sometimes to a fault, she had a reputation for helping those in need.
Odessa was one of a kind. Anyone that knew her well knew that she had a will of iron and would not accept any excuse for failure. She motivated her family to be better than they had to be and she would demand excellence in their endeavors.
Odessa is predeceased by her husband, Aldin E. Johnson Sr. Also cousins whom since she was an only child were considered by her to be her siblings and they were raised as such, Dr. Patricia Grasty Gains, Gerald Franklin Redd, William Henry Redd and Mary Redd Thompson.
Cherishing many fond memories of Odessa are her Cousin Rosanne Grasty, son, Aldin Jr., grandchildren Alexander William Johnson, Aurie Galindo-Johnson and her great-grandchildren Richard and Ariana Lopez.
“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1
Condolences(9)-
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Rose Anne Grasty says
October 12, 2023 at 11:07 pmMay the soul of my cousin Odessa rest in peace and rise in glory.
Pcm says
April 25, 2024 at 10:09 pmMrs.Johnson, rest in peace. I remember when I took this photo of you. It was Christmas Eve. I will forever cherish our memories together. You were a wonderful person to me and my daughter.
Jeraline Artis says
October 15, 2023 at 1:17 pmMs. Johnson, you were the best neighbor and friend a person could want. You will be missed and loved forever. The Artis Family.
Hilda Galindo Johnson says
October 16, 2023 at 8:29 pmMay my mother-in-law finally rest in peace. I will miss Odessa’s strength, laughter, wisdom, & happy disposition. Every time I spoke with her, it wasundeniable she had a smile during every conversation. It’s sad, the Grasty-Johnson matriarch is now gone. She left a footprint & legacy her grandchildren will fondly remember.
Jesse L Sills Sr. says
October 17, 2023 at 10:34 amHello Skip,
I am sorry to hear Mother Johnson has passed. She will be sorely missed. I pray you are doing well during this trying time. Brian, Sandra and family.
Jesse L Sills Sr. says
October 17, 2023 at 10:42 amI am so sorry to hear Mother Johnson has passed. She will be greatly missed. May she rest in perfect peace.
Jesse, Sandra and family.
Judith Walston Henderson says
October 17, 2023 at 3:47 pmRemembering Mrs. Odessa Johnson from my childhood years at Liberty Park Elementary School. My heartfelt condolences to the family. May you find comfort and strength knowing that she’s safe in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
The Byrd Family says
October 19, 2023 at 8:58 pmSending our sincerest condolences to the Johnson family. A beautiful woman with a beautiful heart & soul ❤️. May Mama Johnson rest in heavenly peace with our Lord and Savior.
PCM says
April 25, 2024 at 10:06 pmMrs.Johnson, rest in peace. I remember when I took this photo of you. It was Christmas Eve. I will forever cherish our memories together. You were a wonderful person to me and my daughter.