Miriam H. Johnson

Miriam Betty Louise Hartwell Johnson 89, of Orangeburg, SC, passed away on August 6, 2022, at the home of her daughter in Columbia, SC. Miriam was born on June 24, 1933, to the late Lionel and Blanche Jarvis Hartwell in Orangeburg, SC. After graduating from Wilkinson High, she attended Claflin College where she received her BS degree in 1955 in three years. She later attended SC State College and received her Master's degree in Elementary Education in 1976. Miriam was a retired Teacher from Florence County Schools, District 5 in 1987 after 30 years of service. She also worked as a Reading Coordinator and received Teacher of the year award in 2001. She also worked for the United States Census Bureau. Miriam joined Trinity United Methodist Church at an early age. Upon moving to Lake City, she joined Wesley United Methodist Church. Upon her return to Orangeburg, she rejoined Trinity In 1987. Through the years, she served on the Usher Board, United Women in Faith and the Steward Board. Miriam was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Orangeburg Council on Aging, NAACP, Retired Teachers Association, AARP, Girl Scout Leader, Volunteer with Wesley Youth Group, and organized Bible study for the children on Lloyd St. She was a great advocate for education and getting people registered to vote. She was instrumental in getting Councilman Jerry Hannah registered to vote. She was married to Roy Johnson for 67 years. Other survivors are her children, Denise Johnson Anderson (Gary) from Charlotte, NC, Rory Johnson (Sylvia), of Lake City, SC, and Blanchery/ Omoregbee of Columbia, SC., grandchildren, Lionel Omoreqbee, Tyler Grimes, Jamila Benitez and Destiney Johnson and one great grandson, Navid Benitez. She also leaves a Goddaughter, Beatrice McDonald, special friend Dorothy Dorsey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Miriam was loved and adored by family and friends. Everywhere she went, she touched someone's life with love, laughter, and compassion. She never met a stranger. She had a beautiful, joyous and caring spirit. Her love is forever with us. She was very independent, truly lived, showed and shared the love most talk about as natural as one breathes unconsciously and effortlessly. She wanted to be of service to all. Her favorite sayings were "May God go with you," "Thank you for all you do, and I appreciate you." She was an advocate for people to do something for someone else. She had a forgiving soul and never held a grudge. She was always smiling and went on to live her best life.

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Miriam H. Johnson

June 24, 1933 - August 6, 2022