Mrs. Louise Steele Johnson of Covington, passed away April 15, 2011, at the age of 94. Louise was born May 18, 1916. She was the ninth of twelve children born to Johnny James and Ada Kitchens Steele.
A dedicated member of High Point Baptist Church, Louise started teaching Sunday school when only a child, starting in the "card class". She continued to teach throughout her life and taught her last lesson at the age of 87. Gifted with a beautiful voice, and a love for music, she also participated in the church choir well into years, and participated in many of the other organizations of the church.
Having graduated cosmetology school in Atlanta in the late 30's, Louise worked first "fixing hair" on the Square in Covington, former employers being the late Dovie Hull and later, the late, Marcelle Rheburg. After marriage and the birth of her children, she decided to open her own beauty shop at home, so she could be with her children.
In the mid 60's, Louise, and her sister, Ruth Steele Stone, went into business together and bought the Dietz clothing store in Covington, which then became the R&L Shop, in which many tiring, but joyful years went by, dressing the ladies of Covington in their finest wares. The two sisters had an amazing love for each other and their customers. It was a business in which Louise felt truly blessed.
After retiring, Louise spent as much time as possible gardening and cooking for the family, two of her favorite hobbies.
Louise leaves behind, daughter, Viva Johnson Clark; daughter and son-in-law, Alisa Johnson and Stephen P. Brown; two grandsons, Justin L. Folds and David A. Brown; granddaughter, Audrey L. Folds Kimelman; great-granddaughter, Gabriella Louise Kimelman; brother, J. Hugh Steele, and countless nieces and nephews.
She joins her beloved spouse, James Albert Johnson, who preceded her in death in 1988.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Johnson will be held Sunday, April 17, 2011, 3:30 PM, at High Point Baptist Church, with Dr. Jim Martin officiating, and interment following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church, Sunday, from 2:30-3:30 PM.
