Julia Mae Truitt Johnson

Loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away quietly on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the age of 93. Mrs, Johnson was born in LaGrange, Georgia to the late Paul and Marie Truitt. After primary school, she moved to Atlanta to attend Booker T. Washington High School, the first high school for African Americans in the State of Georgia and the Atlanta Public School system, where she began her training as a cosmetologist. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, she moved to Detroit, Michigan to begin her lifelong career in cosmetology and there, she met her husband, the late Woodrow Johnson. The couple lived in Detroit where they were very active in the community and their church and both sang in the church choir. They enjoyed fishing together and attending many social gatherings. They began their family with two sons, Terence and Armand Johnson, and completed their family with daughter Judith in Rochester.

In 1960, the Johnson family moved to Rochester, New York and Mrs. Johnson continued to build a successful career beautifying countless women of Rochester “one head at a time”. Around 1963, Ms. Johnson moved her business to the Hair Design Studio on Plymouth Avenue in Rochester, where she worked with her niece, Edith and sister, Betty. Over the years, clients, friends, and family can recall many stories of fun and laughter while at the shop. Affectionately known as “Ms. Johnson” to her clients, she always had a “dry wit and sharp tongue” but was loved by everyone that she came in contact with.

Ms. Johnson was a devoted member of Rochester’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and would attend faithfully over the years.

After retirement in 1985, Ms. Johnson enjoyed traveling, baking her famous Zucchini Bread, and in her later years enjoyed painting with her neighbors and friends.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Herman Truitt and Marie Elizabeth Williams Truitt, her husband, Woodrow Johnson, her son, Terrence Ostein Johnson, her sisters, Marian Miller, Helen Thornhill and Betty Williams, as well as their only brother, William Truitt.

She is survived by her son, Armand Johnson and daughter, Judith Johnson Burgess (Tom), both of Rochester NY, and sister, Paula Lewis of Columbia MD. She also leaves six grandchildren, Terese Johnson Washington (Glen) of Long Island NY, Vivian Johnson of Forest Park GA, Armand Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Avery Burgess, and Branden Burgess, all of Rochester NY. Eight Great grandchildren, Lyndsey and Ryann Washington of Long Island NY, Andre (DJ)Marquis Huddleston Jr. of Forest Park GA, Amari Johnson of Midland NC, and Av’Reion Pinder, Taylor Marie Bethel, Khari Jahir Demarkus Johnson, and Aaron Johnson Jr. all of Rochester NY, and two great great grandchildren, Amelya R. Mohammad of Long Island NY and Aaron Jamiel Johnson Briggs of Rochester NY, along with a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends across the country.

Julia enjoyed her family and life to the fullest, and left us all with ‘little pearls of wisdom’, and life lessons to cherish and hold forever. Rest in heaven faithful servant, and watch over us all until we meet again. You are loved!

There will be a formal burial mass and memorial for Julia to be announced at a later date. Thank you to everyone who expressed their condolences and support during this difficult time. We are grateful to all of you!