Rev. Grace Lawrence (Gregory) Johnson

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Reverend Grace L. Johnson, a devoted servant of God and her community, passed away leaving a legacy of faith and service. Born on August 24, 1924, in Trees City, Louisiana, she relocated to Houston, Texas, in her youth. Her early career included several years as a waitress and cook at the Wine Garden restaurant before she transitioned to a 17-year tenure as a bus driver for the Houston Independent School District. Driven by a profound love for children and a desire to help others, she found great joy in her work with the district.

On November 12, 1966, Reverend Johnson’s spiritual journey reached a milestone when she was appointed as a Pastor by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston. Following many years of dedicated ministry throughout the Houston area, she settled in La Grange, Texas. There, she served with distinction as the pastor of Emmanuel Methodist Church and St. James United Methodist Church until her retirement.

Reverend Johnson’s life was defined by an unwavering devotion to God and a tireless passion for helping those in need. Throughout her ministry, she extended her service beyond the pulpit, volunteering in the children’s wards of various Houston-area hospitals and dedicatedly caring for the sick and shut-in within every community she called home. In La Grange, she was a pillar of the community, volunteering at the police academy and the Fayette County Memorial Hospital. Her lifelong commitment to service was formally recognized when she was nominated for the 2003 Outstanding Senior Citizens Award by the Fayette County Commission on Aging. Reverend Johnson also served as the Vice President of AARP Chapter 2317 and was a faithful attendee of the annual Southern Methodist Episcopal Conference for many years.

A woman of many talents, she found joy in sewing and playing the piano in her younger years. She lived by the philosophy, “God can’t bless me if my cup is always full,” constantly seeking ways to pour into the lives of others. Two years ago, she returned to East Texas to reside with her niece in Smithland, where she spent her final years surrounded by a host of loving relatives and friends.

Reverend Grace entered her eternal sleep on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.  She had fought a good fight, she had kept the faith, she had finished the course, and she was ready to receive her crown which the righteous judge will give her on that day.  She was preceded in death by her daughter (Joyce Hall), spouse (Lonnie Wilkerson) and siblings (Claude Gregory, Willie Gregory, Robert Gregory, Horace Gregory, Mary Williams and Helen J. Smith). 

She leaves to cherish her memories: her nieces; Helen R. Shepard of Smithland, TX, Shelia Cheatam (Tracy) of Heartland, TX, Sharon Bonner (David) of Fort Worth, TX, Crystal Johnson (Arnold) of Longview, TX, Theresa Williams of Dallas, TX and a special cousin Cleveland Mathis (Betty) of Forney, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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