Dolores Johnson

Dolores Henrietta Newton (Branche) James-Johnson was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on July 16, 1934. She was the daughter of Helen and Judge Douglas Branche. They, along with her younger sister, Helen, preceded her in death. Dolores graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School (Connecticut) in 1952 and with excitement returned in 2019 after being chosen as the first African American inducted into the school's Wall of Honor. While employed at IBM in Fishkill, NY, Dolores married her first husband, Stanley James. Unto them were born two sons. During this time, Dolores developed a passion for Civil Rights and participated in the March on Washington in 1963 when Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream speech". Dolores worked as a Paraprofessional for many years at the Salisbury CentralSchool in Connecticut. When Dolores and her second husband, William Johnson, moved to Florida, they joined Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church. Dolores became a Substitute Teacher for the Marion County Public Schools. Dolores and William later joined New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church where she established the Grandma and Grandpa Rockers, serving the orphaned babies in Haiti. Dolores enjoyed spending time with family and friends and delighted in her role as grandmother. She recently formed "Sisters on the Move" to continue serving the community and promoting Civil Rights. During the early COVID-19 months, Dolores authored her life journey titled "Truth has Wings". She was thrilled at becoming an author and delighted to have captured the feeling of freedomby telling her story. Dolores celebrated her 88th birthday on July 16th this year with a party catered by Big Lee's BBQ!This was her character. She enjoyed making others happy. Dolores James-Johnson was called home by our Lord and Savior on September 7, 2022. She leaves to cherish precious memories her husband, William Johnson; sons, Michael James and Stanley James, Jr.; grandson, Adrian James; stepchildren, David Johnson, Dorshia Johnson,Josephine Holbert (Patrick); step grandchildren, Billy Holbert and Jonathan Holbert; and a host of cousins, family and friends.

Dolores Johnson

July 16, 2022 - September 7, 2022