Stephanie Johnson Obituary (1970 - 2013)

A Time for Everything There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. On Friday, December 6, 2013 at 2:20am, Stephanie Lynch Johnson was called home to be with her Lord and Savior. She transitioned with profound peace. A Time to Be Born Stephanie was born on April 3, 1970 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland to Delcia Mae Speller (Sorrell) and James Andrew Lynch, III. Born at 28 weeks, she weighed three (3) pounds, 7.5 ounces. She and her mother would often, with fondness, recollect that she did not have any hair at all-from birth until she reached 18 months. Her remarkable birth and challenges would be symbolic of the woman she would later become: an over-comer, a fighter, and an achiever. A Time to Find: Due to her maternal grandmother's (Margaret) determination to instill spirituality in the lives of her grandchildren, Stephanie was raised to attend church, faithfully. Because of this, Stephanie accepted Christ into her life at an early age. She was baptized at Chestertown Baptist Church (Chestertown, Maryland) and later joined Robinson A.M.E. Church (Grasonville, MD) under the leadership of the late Rev. Norman Blackston. While attending Robinson, Stephanie used her gift of and her love for singing as well as her leadership skills and became the President of the Gospel Choir. In 1995, at God's leading, she moved her membership to Faith Unity Fellowship Ministries (Bishop Robert M. Pritchett, Jr.). As a faithful member of Faith Unity, Stephanie served as Minister of Administration, Director of Christian Education, Chairperson of Stewardship Campaign (Building Fund), and sang in the choir. As she grew and matured spiritually, she was further lead to join International House of Worship (Easton/Preston MD) (Pastor Dawn Abbott), where she passionately served as the Church Administrator, Chairperson of the Building Committee, Chairperson over Accounting, Member of the Praise Team and choir. She and her husband (Shawkeen) also headed the marriage ministry. While at International, Stephanie accepted her calling to preach the word of God. During her time at International, this calling was fulfilled as she was a Minister in Training and had preached several powerful sermons. A Time to Love On September 12, 1998, Stephanie married her soul mate and the love of her life, Shawkeen E. Johnson, Sr. They enjoyed watching movies, taking rides out on the town, visiting family, and shopping. To many, they were known as a hilarious and fun couple whose love for each other was evident. Everybody knew how much Stephanie loved Shawkeen! As the single most daring act to prove her infinite love for him, she decided to join her husband as a Dallas Cowboy fan! Stephanie had an overwhelming love for people. She would do anything for anyone and she especially and sincerely loved her family and friends unconditionally. In fact, she honored her Cousin Shirley's desire to have her raise her children in the event that she became unable to do so. Keeping true to her word, after her Cousin passed, she and Shawkeen raised them as their own. Stephanie was extremely outspoken, passionate, strong, bold, wise, witty, loving and kind. She was the "resolution queen"! If there was a problem, you could count on Stephanie to assess, analyze, and seek a solution. In most situations, you could rest assure that she would the resolve the issue. She was a devoted daughter, wife, sister, cousin, and friend. Her closest friends would often wonder how she found time to make each feel like they were her only 'bestie" and devoted so much time to their laundry list of drama and issues. They conclude that that was just who she was- she wanted to be there for everybody and she had a way of making everyone feel special and important. After her love for God, her husband, her family and friends, everyone knew that Stephanie's other love was crabs. It would not be any surprise to walk in the Johnson's home on any given day, at anytime of the year and for no special occasion to find them sitting at the kitchen table eating a bushel of crabs. A Time to Plant Stephanie's educational path began with Head Start. She matriculated through the public schools of Queen Anne's County, Maryland and was always an outstanding student. In high school, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and played on the basketball team. Stephanie graduated from Queen Anne's County High School with honors in 1988. Upon graduating high school, Stephanie followed her dreams and attended Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. There, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, was a member and the president of Psi Chi (The National Honor Society for Psychology), as well as a member of Alpha Kappa Mu and Beta Kappa Chi Honor Societies. In May 1992, Stephanie graduated, yet again with high honors for her academic excellence. Not yet satisfied, Stephanie continued her educational aspirations, pursuing and obtaining her Masters of Arts Degree in Psychology at the University of Delaware (Newark, Delaware) in 1993 - just one year after obtaining her Bachelors degree! She received a Specialist Certification in the School of Psychology from the University of Delaware in May 1995 and completed coursework in School Administration at Wilmington College (Dover, Delaware). She attended the Maryland State Department of Education Early Intervention Leadership Academy, graduating in December 2006. She was currently enrolled in the Education Leadership Doctoral Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Princess Anne, MD). A Time to Reap Upon completing her education requirements, Stephanie began her career as a Therapist for the Foundation School (Prince Georges County, Landover, Maryland). She fulfilled her passion for school psychology by gaining employment with Queen Anne's County Board of Education (1995-1996). She then became employed by Prince Georges County Board of Education (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) from 1996-1998. She returned to Queen Anne's County Board of Education as a school Psychologist in 1998 and in 2004, became the director of the Infant and Toddler's program for Queen Anne's County, Maryland until her death. Stephanie loved her job. It allowed her to impact the lives of families within her community. A Time to Share Stephanie was know for her organizational and leadership skills. She had a way of impacting any group or organization, making them effective and successful. Notably, Stephanie invisioned and created a book club (Sister's With Vision) with eight of her dearest friends. Sister's With Vision was founded on Christian principals and touched the lives of each member spiritually and emotionally. These sisters are forever indebted to Stephanie for bringing them together, for providing an atmosphere for healing, creating lasting memories and infinite friendships. She provided community service throughout the years. She served in capacities such as a Board Member for the Queen Anne's County Adult Day Care Foundation, a Board Member for the Grasonville Community Center, Member of the Minority Representation, Board member for Mid-Shore Fresh Start (transitional housing for recovering addicts). She belonged to several organizations, including the Maryland School Psychologists Association and the Queen Anne's County Children's' Council. She was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (April 2009) Cambridge Alumnae Chapter which serves the communities of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and beyond. Stephanie loved her Sorority and was proud of what it represented (Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service). She actively participated in many of the Sororities activities. Notably, she was a tremendous help for her home area of Queen Anne's and Kent Counties in raising the most funds for the chapter during their scholarship fundraising event on two occasions. The proceeds were provided to deserving minority females of the Eastern Shore who planned to attend college. During one of this nation's most notable presidential elections (President Obama), Stephanie actively participated in the voter's registration campaign and successfully encouraged non-voters to become registered. One of her fondest moments of being a member of this Sorority was having the opportunity to participate in its 100 years (Centennial) celebration in 2013. Stephanie was well loved by the Sorority and while her impact will be permanent, her loving, gentile, and thought provoking spirit will certainly be missed by all of her Sorors. A Time to Uproot Stephanie earned many awards, which included the following: a�� Car-Ken-Tal-Que-Dor (The Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc.) for the outstanding Scholarship and Community Service in Queen Anne's County a�" May 1991 a�� Extraordinary Service Award from the Queen Anne's County Community Partnership for Children and Families a�" April 2007 a�� Minority Achievement Award (in the area of Education). An award for outstanding leadership in the field of Education from the Maryland State Education Association a�" January 2009. a�� A Time to Weep: She was preceded in death by her twin boys, Shane & Shawn Johnson. Stephanie is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Shawkeen Johnson, two surrogate children Travon Speller and Shirlea Speller, two step-children Shawkeen Johnson Jr and Kia Johnson. Her mother Delcia Sorrell and stepfather Richard Sorrell, Father James Andrew Lynch III and stepmother Catherine Lynch. Two brothers Alan Montrell Sorrell Sr.(Takeshia), David Cornell Sorrell(special friend Carrie), six stepsisters: Deborah Johnson, Annapolis, MD, Judy Sorrell, Annapolis, MD, Terry Sorrell, Grasonville, MD, Bridgette Abd-Elaziz, Wilmington, DE, Rhonda Hollis, Dover, DE, Linda Cook(Lamont) Chestertown, MD, six step brothers, Richard D. Sorrell(Debbie) Baltimore, MD, Gary Sorrell(Valerie) Worton, MD, Richard Yarbough(Desirea)Glendale, AZ, Tony Hollis, Baltimore, MD, Mark Hollis, Richmond, VA and Kevin Hollis Harmony, MD. Mother-in-law, Stella Johnson, Father-in-law, Charles Johnson. Three sister in law Charmain, Chestertown, MD, Raenell, Millington, MD and Shakira Johnson, Stevensville, MD. One brother-in-law Janaki Johnson, Millington, MD, one grandmother Josephine Lynch, Grasonville, MD. Eight aunts, Joanne Handy, Centreville, MD, Theresa Newton, Cambridge, MD, Henrietta Gray, Emma Freeman both of Grasonville, MD, Mary Lee Jones, Denton, MD, Elsie Speller, Wilmington, DE, Ruth Speller, Washington, N.C., Cleo Speller, Chocowinity, N.C. Five god-children Larry Brison Jr, Wilmington, DE, Daron(Drue) Phillips, Ridgely, MD, Kim Pulley, Grasonville, MD, Ceierra Brinkley, Greensboro, MD, Aundranna Rodgers, Wye Mills, MD, Kirshay Bowser, Dover, DE. Three uncles Jimmy Speller, Deladimore Speller both of Washington, N.C., Darnell Lynch, Wye Mills, MD. Special friends: Traci, Deayna, Tonya, Tosha, Mina, Dawn, Ray Shelle, Trina, April and Nicole. And a host of other relatives, church family, colleagues, neighbors and friends. a�� A Time to Celebrate: Everyone who knew Stephanie was touched by her love for the Lord her devotion to her church, her beautiful spirit, her joy for life and her devotion to her family. And now she is resting in Heaven smiling down on us. We love her and we will miss her dearly. Now Stephanie you can rest peacefully in his Arms because you knew what you were singing about when you sang when I see Jesus, AMEN!! Services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 1pm at Centreville United Methodist Church 608 Church Hill Rd Centreville, MD with a viewing Friday evening 6-8pm. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Services will begin at 6:30pm and viewing one hour prior to the services on Saturday. Interment in Chesterfield Cemetery Centreville, MD.