My Story

“Clara Mae,” holding the exact name as my mother, was the last-born child of Otto Johnson Sr. and Clara Mae Toliver Johnson on October 10, 1943. “Babysister”, as I was tenderly called, matriculated through Dallas schools, St. Anthony, Julia C. Frazier and Paul L. Dunbar. I graduated with honors fromThe Great James Madison High School in 1961, then continued my education at Bishop College. My parents were pillars in the Griggs Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where my faith was nourished, and I was baptized at the age of six. I remained active my entire life being recognized as the longest active serving member in recent years. My service has included being a junior usher, attending youth meeting as a child, later becoming the Assistant Youth Director as well as the Baptist Training Union (BTU), later Co-leader, all starting under the leadership of Dr. H. D. Webb Sr. I was a member of the Mission and Matrons President for 10+ years, all while attending my father’s Sunday School Class No. 5. I continued my Sunday School attendance virtually until my health declined.

I was blessed with an angelic voice, perfecting my gift while singing early on with my family, “The Johnson’s Singers”, where I held the strong alto part. Never letting a rock cry out for me, I enjoyed being a part of the “noisy crew” as I exhibited praise and worship to God in church or in any intimate setting. I participated in the Gospel Choir (now the Sanctuary Choir), Mass Choir and Women’s Chorus. I was also a part of the adult dance ministry for a short time. My diligent ministry in the Senior Choir allowed me to become the first recipient of the Olivia Skinner Service Award.

I truly studied to show myself approved, and my gift to rightly divide the Word of Truth made me a sought-after speaker for women’s organizations. My ministry expanded beyond Griggs Chapel as I faithfully served in the Texas State Missionary Baptist Convention, the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and the Galilee Griggs Memorial District Association (serving as Chairperson of the Matrons Auxiliary for 20+ years and President of the Women’s Auxiliary). I was later chosen as Chairperson of the Advisory Board as assistant to President Green. I have always thanked Sis. George, Sis Pendgraft and others for their leadership and mentoring.

A more recent affiliation was with the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., being awarded with the current National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award/South Central Dallas Club.

In addition to my passion for serving God, I worked in the insurance industry for 40+ years, starting out at Continental Insurance Company, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company and retired as Vice President in Underwriting, from One Beacon Insurance Company in 2012. My vibrant spirit led me to Dallas ISD in 2015, where I mentored the youth in the after-school program at Harry Stone Montessori School (at first, so I could hang out with my grandsons, later because I was bored at home) until May 2025.

My beloved family that preceded me in death include: my husband, Willie H. Wiley; my parents; my brothers: Rev. Jimmie Johnson, Oliver (Blue) Johnson, Otto (Duck) Johnson Jr.; my sisters: Ruthie Holloway and Jessie Riley; and my best friend, Lorene Eutsey.

Though I am loved by many, those who love me the most and are left to cherish my memories are “my diamonds,” my only begotten son, Craig LaDon Johnson (Tanya), and most cherished daughter, Pamela Michelle Dixon. As if my love couldn’t go any deeper, my love for “my jewels,” my grandchildren: Jennifer Rayburn (Eric), Quinton, Julian, and Ashton and my 2 great-grandchildren, “my gems”, Maya Claire and Nora Lucy (my Dad’s mom’s name), is everlasting! My love and legacy will live on through a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom I loved dearly.