Nancy Octavia Johnson

Nancy Octavia Johnson Reflection of Life Nancy Octavia Johnson was born on August 21, 1940, in Raleigh, North Carolina to the union of the late Rev. Morris L. Johnson and Octavia Brown Johnson. Of the five children, she was the fourth child. Her siblings were, Morris Leroy Johnson, Jr., Lela Belle Jones, and Robert Johnson who preceded her in death. She is survived by her younger brother Lawrence David Johnson of Atlanta, GA. The family would make their home in Greensboro, NC, where she attended Dudley High School (1958) and Bennet College (1962), receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She continued her education receiving her Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. Nancy's career path led her to Compton Unified School District. For 35 years, she was a successful teacher and counselor. She received numerous achievement awards and certificates of appreciation for her outstanding dedication to the School District, parents, and students. In 1965, she met and married Dr. Hershel Henry (Dino) Dennis. To this union were born two beautiful children, Lela Demetrices (Dede), and Hershel Zaire Malcom. Nancy was a devoted wife and mother that enjoyed spending time with her family. Although the marital union of Hershel and Nancy would come to an end in 1981, they remained friends and continued to be dedicated co-parents to their children. Nancy's early exposure to music and singing would begin in her father's church. She would continue to develop her love for music by participating in the Bennett College Choir and the Cathedral Choir at First A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, Ca., where she was a long-standing member for many years. Nancy enjoyed traveling with her family. Her traveled adventures took her to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Mexico, and various states throughout the US. During the holidays, she enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She also enjoyed decorating her house, cooking, and spending endless hours playing the slot machines at the casinos. Her favorite saying was, "Don't mess with my money or my kids." Nancy took pleasure in taking care of her grandchildren, traveling with them to North Carolina, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Northern California. Besides spending quality time with her siblings and their families, Nancy also enjoyed spending time with her cousins "The Baltimore Crew", as well as her Greensboro Bennett Sisters and friends. Regrettably, her son, Zaire was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Over the next 28 years Nancy spent countless hours nurturing, loving, and tending to the needs of Zaire, as his caregiver, a role she found most fulfilling and truly displayed the heart of a devoted mother. On Wednesday, June 6, 2023, our Heavenly Father welcomed our beloved Nancy into the place he prepared for her. Nancy's loving memories will be treasured by many including her daughter, Lela "Dede" (Paul Fulton), her grandson, Jerin, granddaughters Saia and Jade, her brother, Lawrence (Patsy), Harold Jones (Brother-in-Law), Hershel Dennis (Patricia), her Baltimore family who she loved dearly, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. ~ May your rest be peaceful dear Nancy; your journey is now complete. ~ Cards for Nancy can be sent to: 3223 Stargate Cir., Corona, CA 92882 Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Wednesday 6/28, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Reception The Corona Club 1212 E 6th St #1617 Corona, California 92879 (951) 371-9060 | Wednesday 6/28, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm