Willie Harris Johnson

Augusta, GA - Willie Harris Johnson, 89, widow of William C. Johnson, Sr, entered into rest Friday, February 20, 2015, peacefully at her home. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 22, 2015, at 3:00 PM from the chapel of Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors, with Reverend Philip D. Harris officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Born in Elbert County, GA, she spent most of her life in Augusta, GA. She was the last of ten children born to the late William A. Harris, Sr, and Evie Ellis Evans Harris. She finished the First Consolidated School of Elbert County and retired from Colonial Baking Company after 20 years. She was a devoted member of Bethlehem Advent Christian Church. Mrs. Johnson was a principal member of the Augusta Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, which is a national organization which provides support for mothers who have lost sons or daughters during war in the service of their country. She worked very hard towards having the first monument built in Augusta for the Vietnam War and all wars. She did volunteer work for years at Oliver General Hospital and Linwood Hospital for veterans. She also worked with the Boy Scouts organization and helped blind friends and neighbors for many years. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, William C. "Bill" "Pug" Harris, Jr, age 21. Bill was a highly decorated Marine who died in combat in Vietnam on September 25, 1967. He received the dress blue uniform, which is a high military honor. She was also preceded in death by her beloved nephew, Wayne Brown, of Elberton, GA, her niece, Catherine Rabb, of Orangeburg, SC, and by her brothers and sisters, Harold Harris, Sadie Harris Brown, Abner Harris, Clarence Harris, Dillard Harris, William Harris, Jr, Hilda Harris Fortson, and Euphemia Harris Corder. She is survived by her nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces. Pallbearers will be Blake Young, Gary Dixon, Greg Ruff, Brent Fortson, Philip Harris, and David Harris. If so desired memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels Association of America, 413 N. Lee St, Alexandria, VA 22314; or to the charity of one's choice. The family will receive friends Sunday, February 22, from 2:00 PM until the hour of service at the funeral home. Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Rd, Augusta, GA 30906.