High on the list of Catholic unsung heores is the name Florida Mae Jolivette Johnson.  She was born December 27, 1923, to the loving parentage of Louis and Charlotte Jolivette in Forth Worth, Texas.

Florida practiced faith sincerly and earnestly without the benefits of accolades and praise.  She served because she believe serving is the right thing to do.  She was quoted for saying, "I just serve the Lord as best I know how; no fuss, no big deal.  This is what I’m supposed to do and I’m comfortable doing what I do." This attitude quietly and unassumingly made her an eager evangelizer.  She was taught by her Catholic parents that working in the church was necessary to be a good Catholic; and being good Catholics was required in the Jolivette home!  Florida proceeded for more than half a century in dedicated service to the Catholic Church.

She met and married Albert Johnson.  Together they cherished 24 years of marriage until his death in 1966.  Florida was the proud mother of three boys and one girl.

Florida will always be remembered as a beautiful woman who looked much younger than her age.  She was stern and determined but never a complainer, in spite of her burdens.  She exuded a no-nonsense air that probably resulted from having little time for frolix and play.  Florida gave more then 80 years of uninterrupted unselfish service to the Catholic Church.

On Sunday, September 14, 2008, Florida surrendered to her Master’s call to receive eternal rest.

Those left to cherish her most fondest memory:  Children: Albert E. Johnson Jr. (Mimi), Barbara Johnson-McDaniel, Thomas J. Johnson, all in forth Worth, and Clarence Mark Johson (Rose), of Riverside California.  10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

I just serve the Lord
as best I know how