Eldress Margaret Johnson-Young, 67, of 2005 Spruce Wood Lane, Suffolk, died Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 at her residence. She was a native of Portsmouth, Va., and the daughter of the late Bishop Maurice Johnson Sr. and Leah Marion Irby Johnson. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice L. Johnson Jr. and Leland P. Johnson.
She graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Norfolk State University and received a master’s degree in social work from University of Detroit. She retired as an instructional system specialist from the U.S. government (Fort Lee, Va.). Eldress Young was part owner of Dales and Tine Women Boutique. She was the pastor of Bethany Cathedral C.O.G.I.C.
She leaves to cherish her memory adopted sons, Elder Jessie Johnson and Elder Willie Jones Sr. of Norfolk, Va., Willie Jones Jr. of Richmond, Va.; three grandchildren; four sisters, Marion J. Porter and Annie M. Block (Willie Lee), of Portsmouth, Gloria Newton Morris, of Suffolk and Debra P. Sprueill, of Chesapeake, Va.; five brothers, Alton Johnson (Linda), of Hampton, Lewis Johnson (Sue), of Huntville, Ala, Marlon Johnson (Darlene) and Bryon Johnson, both of Portsmouth, Daniel Watford (Rose), of Texas; two sisters-in-law, Delores Johnson and Barbara Johnson; devoted cousins, Eldress Cynthia Chapman and Betty Washington; two special friends, Minister Rosie Carney and Constance Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Union Baptist Church, 5135 Nansemond Parkway in Suffolk, officiated by Bishop Clarence Russell Sr. and Bishop Madison Copeland. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.