Nellie Mae Burke Johnson

Nellie’s Life Story

Nellie was born on November 10, 1939 in Elmwood, Pennsylvania.  She was born to the late Claudia Spivey Burke and Dennis Burke.  She was the sixth of eight siblings, six of whom preceded her in death: Louise, Dennis, Billy, Anthony, and Peggy. Her two surviving sisters are Josephine and Thelma. 

Nellie graduated from John Bartram High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University.  Nellie later acquired a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Philadelphia College.  She was a holistic healer, Reiki Master, Minister and teacher.  She served as a Student Advisor at Rosemont College.  Nellie taught for 35 years in the Philadelphia School System at Charles Drew Elementary School.

Nellie lived a life filled with joy, love, laughter and simplicity.  She thoroughly enjoyed her family life and appreciated being a Mom and auntie to many.  She delighted in the finer things in life from food to traveling the world.  She sojourned to Africa, China, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe.  She shared her many spiritual gifts with others.  She was an extraordinary soul, a wise sage who lived the life she taught.  With an open-minded spirit and a graceful heart, she emanated compassion for all without judgment.

Nellie was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc.  She was a dynamic organizational leader.  She was a founding member and former President of the Montgomery County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Chapter President of the Philadelphia Silhouettes, and President of North Carolina A&T Aggie Parent Association. 

Nellie surrendered peacefully on November 4, 2022 into God’s loving grace. She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved husband, Walter Wadsworth Johnson, to whom she was married for 58 years.  The two met, fell in love and were married later in 1964 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.  They have two beautiful children, Harvey Walter Johnson (Lisa Dennis Johnson) and Deidre Elizabeth Johnson; one cherished granddaughter, Sierra Michele Johnson; and niece, Angela Renee Burke whom she held dear; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family

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