Obituary for Annie Mae Johnson
Annie Mae Craig (McCrary) Johnson was born on Tuesday December 12, 1939 the fourth eldest
of nine children to Willie Mae Dixon-Craig and George Craig in Georgiana Alabama.
She attended Southern Normal High School after finishing school she met and married James
McCrary and God blessed the couple with their eldest daughter Rochelle. In the 60’s the two
relocated to Toledo, Ohio with Annie’s Aunt.
Annie later moved to Detroit, MI and while at the hospital for a dialysis treatment she met Douglas Johnson Jr..
Annie and Doug were blessed with their youngest daughter Shirley and later married.
Annie and her best friend Dorothy (Coleman) Foster owned and operated A & D Soul Food Restaurant on Gene
and Warren an endeavor which they were both very proud of. Eventually Annie and Doug purchased a home in
Toledo, Ohio and relocated there.
During the course of her lifetime Annie worked at Toledo Saint Vincent Hospital and Fairview Manor as a
Nursing Assistant. She was a foster mother and fostered countless children over the years; until her health
prevented her from doing so.
Annie loved helping and building people up leading her to complete Beauty School a talent she used to
encourage the young ladies in her circle especially her daughters, grandchildren and nieces.
Annie was an active member of the Southern Missionary Baptist Church for over 40. years since its humble
beginnings, as a house church on Buckingham. Annie remained faithful to the ministry and served in the choir,
displaying her commitment to the Lord and the church by attending outdoor services (when the weather
permitted) even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Annie was quiet and no nonsense until you got to know her, only then were you gifted to experience her
comedic side. She had a quiet strength that has empowered her to weather the roughest storms.
Annie was a warrior who has fought the good fight of faith. Annie conquered her final battle and came out
victorious receiving the crown of eternal life on Saturday December 26, 2020 at the age of 81. Annie was
preceded in death by Parents: George Craig and Willie Mae Craig-Miles. Husband: Douglas Johnson Jr.,
Brothers: George (Arwilder) Craig, Wade (Pap) Eugene, James, Tommie C and Henry Craig Nephews:
(Tommie C son Thomas K. Craig- Rankin), (Joel’s’ sons: Torey Montgomery and Michael Craig) and a niece
(James’ daughter) Delois Peyton. Great nephew Tayshaun Davis. Father and Mother In law: Douglas &
Oleavure Johnson
She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving daughters: Rochelle Hamdar, Shirley (Brandy Brown) Slay.
Foster Son: Ron Toth Siblings: Ed and Joel Craig, Maggie (Lawrence) Benson, Grandchildren: Jake, Neveah,
Nevon Brown, Ariel Reese, Ali Hamdar. Great Grandchildren: Marcellous and Ardyn Holton-Reese Little
Abys Hamdar, all of Toledo, Ohio.Sisters in law: Ruthie Rankin- Clenstine (Gary) Oden both of Akron, Ohio,
Annie Jean Brewer Chicago, ILL. Lifetime Best Friend Dorothy Foster Detroit, MI. 14 nieces 10 nephews and
a host of great nieces, nephew’s relatives and friends.
of nine children to Willie Mae Dixon-Craig and George Craig in Georgiana Alabama.
She attended Southern Normal High School after finishing school she met and married James
McCrary and God blessed the couple with their eldest daughter Rochelle. In the 60’s the two
relocated to Toledo, Ohio with Annie’s Aunt.
Annie later moved to Detroit, MI and while at the hospital for a dialysis treatment she met Douglas Johnson Jr..
Annie and Doug were blessed with their youngest daughter Shirley and later married.
Annie and her best friend Dorothy (Coleman) Foster owned and operated A & D Soul Food Restaurant on Gene
and Warren an endeavor which they were both very proud of. Eventually Annie and Doug purchased a home in
Toledo, Ohio and relocated there.
During the course of her lifetime Annie worked at Toledo Saint Vincent Hospital and Fairview Manor as a
Nursing Assistant. She was a foster mother and fostered countless children over the years; until her health
prevented her from doing so.
Annie loved helping and building people up leading her to complete Beauty School a talent she used to
encourage the young ladies in her circle especially her daughters, grandchildren and nieces.
Annie was an active member of the Southern Missionary Baptist Church for over 40. years since its humble
beginnings, as a house church on Buckingham. Annie remained faithful to the ministry and served in the choir,
displaying her commitment to the Lord and the church by attending outdoor services (when the weather
permitted) even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Annie was quiet and no nonsense until you got to know her, only then were you gifted to experience her
comedic side. She had a quiet strength that has empowered her to weather the roughest storms.
Annie was a warrior who has fought the good fight of faith. Annie conquered her final battle and came out
victorious receiving the crown of eternal life on Saturday December 26, 2020 at the age of 81. Annie was
preceded in death by Parents: George Craig and Willie Mae Craig-Miles. Husband: Douglas Johnson Jr.,
Brothers: George (Arwilder) Craig, Wade (Pap) Eugene, James, Tommie C and Henry Craig Nephews:
(Tommie C son Thomas K. Craig- Rankin), (Joel’s’ sons: Torey Montgomery and Michael Craig) and a niece
(James’ daughter) Delois Peyton. Great nephew Tayshaun Davis. Father and Mother In law: Douglas &
Oleavure Johnson
She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving daughters: Rochelle Hamdar, Shirley (Brandy Brown) Slay.
Foster Son: Ron Toth Siblings: Ed and Joel Craig, Maggie (Lawrence) Benson, Grandchildren: Jake, Neveah,
Nevon Brown, Ariel Reese, Ali Hamdar. Great Grandchildren: Marcellous and Ardyn Holton-Reese Little
Abys Hamdar, all of Toledo, Ohio.Sisters in law: Ruthie Rankin- Clenstine (Gary) Oden both of Akron, Ohio,
Annie Jean Brewer Chicago, ILL. Lifetime Best Friend Dorothy Foster Detroit, MI. 14 nieces 10 nephews and
a host of great nieces, nephew’s relatives and friends.