Theresa Cordelia Johnson was called to her eternal resting place on Thursday, July 6, 2017. She transitioned peacefully at home in the care of loved ones at the age of 89 years. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware on Thursday, June 7, 1928.

Theresa was the daughter of the late Thomas Hammond and Theresa Francis. She was one of eleven children born and raised in Southbridge, where she resided for 79 years. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Terry Briscoe. Theresa was preceded in death by her sons Randolph and Adrian Johnson.

Theresa received her early education in the public schools of Wilmington, Delaware and graduated from Howard High School in 1946. Theresa had a relentless work ethic and stressed the value of independence to her family. During her teen through adult years, she was a domestic housekeeper. Theresa acquired a love for ‘fine’ jewelry during her 20 years of employment at J.E. Caldwell’s. Theresa was later employed by the Wilmington Senior Center.

Theresa was introduced to God at a young age. Theresa grew up in Mt. Joy United Methodist Church and upon adulthood, became an active member. She served as an usher, and a trustee. Theresa attended service regularly sitting in “her pew” until her illness. Her years of service were acknowledged by the church family earlier this year. Mt. Joy presented their new ‘Diamond’ with roses and a plaque.

Theresa was also a dedicated member of the Southbridge Civic Association. She was a stickler for ensuring her block was clean. You can still find her name on the mural at A and Heald Streets as recognition of her persistent effort to make Southbridge a “place to be somebody”.

Family was Theresa’s favorite hobby. She enjoyed hosting holiday feasts, served with china and silver, on the fly barbeques and candid conversations. You could always get her honest opinion without filter. No one was exempt. Theresa, was affectionately known as “Nana’ to thirty-five grand and great grandchildren. She shared her love, life stories, talents and wisdom with all. Theresa’s second hobbies included bargain shopping, gardening, swimming, traveling and watching basketball. Her green thumb won Pearl Street several gardening awards.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her daughter, Terry Briscoe; daughter- in- law, Donna Johnson; brother, Arnold Hammond (Mary); grandchildren, Sean, Shealese (Dezmond), Andre (Jeanne), Randolph (Delethia), Shannon, Serena, Brandisha, Brandon, Marcus (Turquoise), Jade, Tiffany and Morgan; great- grandchildren, Davon, Tyaire, Brianna, Kristen, Shantae, Ra’leek, Shannon, Sean, Chantel, Brandon Jr., Zranyia, Chanel, Zion, Justice, Lauren, Trevor, Makhi, Jada, Chase, Bradley, Noah, Bailee and Braylen and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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