A Life of Faith, Love & Service

Willa Belinda Johnson, affectionately known to many as “Linda,” was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and woman of unwavering faith. Born on April 16, 1961, in Camden, NJ. She was the beloved daughter of Bertha L. Johnson and William Johnson Sr.

Willa was raised in the church and carried her Christian faith with her throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Baptist Temple Church, where her faith and relationship with God remained an important part of who she was.

Early in her life, Willa worked at J&J Snack Foods, where she met her future lifelong partner, Joseph Alexander Jones. From that chapter early in her life came her greatest blessing—her only child, Alex Wendell Johnson, born on August 18, 1989.

Willa also met her longtime best friend Cynthia Greway during her time at J&J. Their friendship continued for many years after their time working together. Their lasting friendship was a beautiful part of Willa’s life and a reminder of the meaningful connections she made with others.

Willa was a woman who believed in working hard and helping others. After leaving J&J Snack Foods, she dedicated her career to serving and caring for the people around her. She worked as a lunch aide at Riletta T. Cream Elementary School, a position that allowed her to remain close to her son during his school years. Later, she found another calling working at Avista Healthcare and Dwellside nursing home as an activities aide.

Caring for others came naturally to Willa. She loved being around the residents and took great joy in making them happy. She would sing, dance, laugh, talk with them, and find ways to brighten their days. To Willa, these were more than just people she worked with—they were people she genuinely cared about. Her warmth and personality allowed her to leave a special impression on those whose lives she touched.

Willa worked for many years, giving her time and energy to others, until eventually her body required her to retire. Even after retirement, however, her caring spirit never changed.

A Mother, Grandmother & Family Woman

Willa’s greatest joy was her family.

She was a loving mother to Alex Wendell Johnson and a proud grandmother to Alex Wendell Johnson Jr. and Ava Elise Johnson. She cherished her grandchildren and took great pride in watching her family grow.

Willa also shared a deeply special relationship with her daughter-in-law, Sandra Ferrer. Following her retirement, Willa and Sandra spent countless hours together. Willa would ride along with Sandra while she worked, turning ordinary drives into treasured moments of companionship.

Their relationship grew into something much deeper than that of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Sandra was like a daughter to Willa. Their bond was filled with love, friendship, laughter, conversation, and memories that will remain precious forever.

The Things She Loved

Willa had her own special way of enjoying the simple things in life. She absolutely enjoyed coloring and solving crossword puzzles. That was one of her favorite pastimes throughout the day. There were three other things she absolutely loved and simply enjoyed having: her coffee, her chicken, and her drink.

Her coffee was a must—it was part of her daily routine and the start to her day. In true Willa fashion, she started with a cup of piping hot French vanilla coffee just the way she liked it. She also had a special love for cooking; she would often boast that if she were in one of those cooking competitions on Food Network, she would absolutely take 1st place! It absolutely showed in the recipes she made. Out of all the things she’d make, her favorite was frying chicken. Whether she was making it herself or from one of her favorite restaurants, if chicken was on the menu, Willa was happy. After a long day, she would love to unwind and relax by watching a classic movie and enjoying a drink. Those little things became part of who she was and a memory that her family will smile about for years to come.

These simple favorites may seem small, but they are the kinds of details that make someone unforgettable. They are the everyday pieces of Willa that her family and friends will remember fondly—the things that will make someone smile and say, “That was Willa.”

Her Family Legacy

Willa was born into a loving family and shared a special bond with her siblings.

She is survived by her sisters Jean Johnson and Adera Johnson, and her brother William Johnson Jr “Bill”.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings James Johnson, Barbara Johnson, and Cheryl Johnson.

Willa’s memory will forever be cherished by her son, Alex Wendell Johnson; her grandchildren, Alex Wendell Johnson Jr. and Ava Elise Johnson; her daughter-in-law, Sandra Ferrer; her longtime best friend, Cynthia; her surviving siblings; Adera, Jean, and William “Bill”; extended family; lifelong friends; former coworkers; and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her journey.

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Her Legacy

Willa’s life was defined by faith, family, hard work, friendship, compassion, and service to others.

She had a heart for people. Whether she was caring for her family, making a resident laugh, singing and dancing at work, speaking with her best friend and sister on the phone, cruising around with her daughter-in-law, enjoying her coffee and puzzles, or simply being herself, Willa had a way of making the people around her feel loved and remembered.

She leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind the love she gave so freely, the lessons she taught, the friendships she treasured, the laughter she shared, and countless little memories that will continue to bring smiles to the people who knew her.

Although her earthly work is complete, the love she shared will never fade.

Willa may no longer be here to sing, dance, laugh, or make us smile, but every life she touched carries a piece of her with them.

Rest peacefully,

You were deeply loved.

You are deeply missed.

And you will never, ever be forgotten.