Catherine Louise Spellman Johnson of Southampton Dies July 10

Catherine Louise Spellman Johnson

First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton Deaconess Catherine Louise Spellman Johnson died at her home in Southampton on July 10, surrounded by family. She was 81.

She was born on October 7, 1931, to William Barry and Burley Cooper Spellman in Perquimans County, North Carolina, where she also attended school. At a young age, she joined Poole’s Grove Missionary Baptist Church in North Carolina, and remained a faithful member for many years. She married William Preston “Pete” Johnson Sr. in 1955 and the family moved to Southampton in 1963. She was employed at Southampton Hospital for more than 30 years, until she retired in 1995.

After joining the First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton, she became an active member, serving as a deaconess, missionary and member of the culinary committee. She taught in the church’s Sunday school and was a member of the senior choir. She also sang high soprano with the Johnson Singers, the North Carolina Jubilee and the Anointed Creation Gospel Singers for more than 40 years.

Ms. Johnson is survived by three sons, William P. Johnson Jr. of California, Steven Johnson of Southampton and Walter Davis and his wife Gloria Jean of Virginia. Her son Douglas Johnson died just a few days before her on July 8. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Johnson; a sister, Mary Marie Shannon of Connecticut; four sisters-in-law, Doris Hughes, Rosa Lee Spellman, Annie Spellman and Diane Westbrook and two brothers-in-law, Sam Shannon and Wilbert Hoffler.

She is survived by six grandchildren, Sidonie Bryant and her husband James, Andrea Johnson and his wife Laura, Catherine Knight and her husband Chris, Akira Barclay and her husband Michael, Phillip Johnson, William Preston Johnson III; 10 great-grandchildren; friend and caregiver, Evelyn Taylor and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Deacon William Preston “Pete” Johnson Sr.; and siblings Audrey Lawrence, Geneva Shannon, Theresa Long, Eunice Hoffler, Wallace Spellmen and Earliest “Bay-Ray” Spellman.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church on Monday, July 16. The Reverend Frank Bryant officiated and the Reverend Henry Faison delivered the eulogy. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.