Jean Esther Poe
October 9, 1954 - June 12, 2022

Jean was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 9, 1954. She was the 5th child born to Sam and Addie Ruth Poe. Both preceded in death. Her sisters, Lorraine, Addie, and one brother David and her son Chareese, also preceded her in death. Jean attended Scott Elementary School in Pratt City, Alabama until she was stricken with polio that challenged her life beginning from the age of 11. Given the total limitation of being paralyzed in one of her legs; she did not let this disability limit her motivation to achieve some of her goals. Jean attended Western Olin High School to advance her educational endeavors. She was awarded several academic recognitions and courageous awards along with perfect attendance. Jean was voted the “Most Admired Student”, because of her determination to carry her textbooks to every class, even on crutches. The facility was not conductive for students with disabilities at that time and, reluctantly, she had to withdraw from, her educational pursuit. Additionally, Jean was an avid church goer. Her vocal talents with gospel singing earned her a position in the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir, under the pastoral-ship of Rev, James R. Walker in Pratt City, Alabama. She stood out amongst the other choir members because she was such a bold singer and beautiful young lady with large brown eyes and sweet smile that she inherited from her mother Addie Ruth Poe. She loved jokes and to laugh a lot. Jean was literally a living phone book. Her remarkable ability to accurately remember countless phone numbers and medications, even with their associated side effects. Jean mean Luvert Lawson and she was blessed with a wonderful daughter, Erica Shawn. Later she met and married Larry Johnson and two sons, Chareese and Mosiah was born. A divorce and separation ended this relationship. Although, times were turbulent during Jean’s life, she relentlessly struggles to do her best to manage many of the monumental burdens she faced. Often, situations did not end the way she wanted them to, but she continued by the Grace of God to live a better life. She was adamant about her fried chicken, and she loved collard greens and potato salad. Jean always had an extended vocabulary and did not mind telling you just what she thought, regardless as to who you are. Jean also loved all of her siblings, but particularly fond of her oldest brother Cecil, who was like a father figure to her. She loved to talk about her grandchildren that she loved so much. God called her home June 12, 2022 around 7:30 a.m. She leaves her memories to cherish with; Daughter, Erica Lashawn Lawson (grand-daughter Aniya Overton) in Georgia, Mosiah Johnson (grand-children, Joshua, Ayana, Mariah, Mosiah, Jr., Zion, Zaria, Mo’laja) in Tennessee; with her oldest brother Cecil (Addie), Eddie Frank (Sherry) in Georgia, Donald, and Sister Joyce in Alabama. A host of nieces and nephews in Kansas City, Texas, and Detroit, Michigan.