Lena Mae Johnson was born January 23, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Rev. Robert Lee Mitchell and Rosemary Mitchell.  She was the youngest of three children. On December 9, 2025, she peacefully transitioned from this life, surrounded by her loving family.

She attended Cincinnati Public School and graduated from Withrow High School in 1964.

Lena accepted Jesus Christ and joined Peace Baptist Church in January of 1953 on Decision Sunday.  She was baptized at the age of 10 under the leadership of the late Pastor Joseph Hudson.

Throughout her years of active service, she supported her church through her involvement in the Inspirational Choir, Vacation Bible School, Junior Usher Board, Senior Ministry, Oasis, and the Health & Wellness Ministry.  She faithfully served as the church secretary under Pastor Gregory Chandler Sr and Pastor Kenneth Manuel.

Lena married Dennis Curtis Johnson on August 29, 1970. They had two children, Douglas, and Tara Renee

Lena began her career as a McDonald's manager, a role that brought many smiles and earned her the title the "coolest" mom and aunt thanks to the extra perks. She later joined Kenner Toys as an administrative assistant in the Product Testing Department, where she occasionally assisted with testing prototypes and remained there for many years until the company closed. Lena also worked in the Customer Service Department at Parisian Department Store, bringing her warmth and dedication.

In earlier years, she was actively involved in the Order of the Eastern Star, serving alongside her husband, a Mason.  She was also a dedicated Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and a volunteer with the Boy Scouts, sharing her time and guidance with young people in the community.

Lena loved gardening, planting flowers indoors and outdoors, crafts, travelling and most of all, shopping at Goodwill.  She was also a devoted dog lover and shared her home with Kizzy, Tuxedo, Rosci and Boston – names familiar to anyone who knew her.

Lena was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and most of all a friend. Her warm smile and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Those who preceded her in death: her parents, husband Dennis Curtis Johnson, brother Robert J Mitchell Jr and grandson Charles B Heard III "CJ".

She leaves to cherish her memory: two children, Douglas Johnson, and Tara Johnson; five grandchildren, Jaret Eppes, Trish Green (Drew), Denzel Johnson, Mikaela Johnson, and Erik Johnson; four great-grandchildren, Dakota, Noah, Navi, and Phoenix; one sister, Wanda Cornell; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Johnson, Emma Johnson, Betty Johnson, and Linda Johnson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Peace Baptist Church, 652 Rockdale Avenue, Cincinnati  (45229).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 10:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Johnson family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Johnson family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.