THE WOMAN CONSIDERED “THE MOTHER OF ALL MOTHERS” IN THE SOUTHLAND SUCCUMBS AT THE AGE OF 83

Devola Mae Johnson, Photo provided by Sth Media LLC

THE WOMAN CONSIDERED “THE MOTHER OF ALL MOTHERS” IN THE SOUTHLAND SUCCUMBS AT THE AGE OF 83

MOTHER OF CALUMET CITY MAYOR AND

ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES

“SHE WAS THE PILLAR OF STRENGTH FOR CALUMET CITY”

Devola Mae Johnson (June 16^th, 1939--May 27^th, 2023)

(Calumet City, Il,) Thaddeus Jones-Mayor of Calumet City and Illinois State Representative – is announcing the passing of his beloved mother, Ms. Devola Mae Johnson. Mother Johnson passed away on Saturday, May 27^th, 2023, after an extended illness.

Devola Mae Johnson affectionally known as “The Mother of Children” was born Devola was born to her parents Andrew Jackson and Thelma Hampton on June 16, 1939, in Chicago Heights, Illinois at St. James Hospital. She is the eldest of eight (8) children.

Devola and her brothers, Charles Wynn, E. Henry “Pee Wee” Hampton, Albert Wynn, and her sisters, Arlene Hinckley, Florence “Estella Hampton and Evelyn Powell grew up in a time where families were challenged financially but provided stability and love to each other. She confessed her love of Christ at an early age and was committed to God’s grace on her life. She accepted her assignment and completed her mission.

Devola attended school at Washington Elementary school in Chicago Heights and began her love for helping people and for caring for children. She had Eight (8) children; Barbara Jean Jones, followed by Antoine Johnson, Willie “Kazoo” Johnson, Bertha Hampton, Andre Johnson and the baby girl of the family, Christel R. Johnson. Devola became a nurse at a young age and later acquired skills and became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) and provided excellent care for patients and their families. Her nursing career started and Glenwood Rehab Facility and continued at Woodside Rehabilitation (Bria Rehabilitation) in South Chicago Heights. Devola retired from nursing in 2001.

Devola met the love of her life, William “Bill” Jones, and to this union, Thaddeus and Jasmine Jones were born. The family settled in Ford Heights and would fight through some extreme hardships as Ford Heights was named one of the poorest communities in the South Suburbs. It was this house at 918 east 15^th street where Devola and Bill would raise eight (8) of their children plus seven (7) other children at one house. Despite the odds, they would teach them values that would allow them to succeed in life.

On December 16, 1986, the family would experience its first major tragedy when Bill, a union truck driver was fired from his job at Monteleone Produce; he died three weeks later; succumbing to a massive heart attack. This devasted Devola and the family as she and Bill did everything together.

At the time of Bill’s death, Devola was raising her 1^st and 2^nd generation of families, caring for her sister Stella’s children, Sharon and Robin Hampton while at same time caring for her daughter’s children, Kenneth Johnson and Demetrius Johnson. With her daughter, Christel, by her side, she fought through struggle after struggle and made things work for the family; thirteen children and two (2) adults living in a three (3) bedroom apartment surviving on one income. This was survival as Devola worked the nightshift and cared for children during the day. As the struggles increased and Ford Heights became more violent, Devola moved her entire family out of Ford Heights. This move saved her family and allowed them to become the men and women standing here today.

In 1997, her decision to move the family paid off when her son, Thaddeus Monteleone Jones was elected as the First African American Alderman in the 100-year history of Calumet City! The entire family celebrated, and Devola was there beaming with pride. This election and victory was significant for the family as it was the first person in the family to complete college and the first person to get elected to become a servant. Thaddeus would later become the First African American Mayor of Calumet City and Devola was right there with him and the family celebrating. Devola moved the family again to Calumet City where the family would plant its roots. Devola became a part of the Calumet City community and continued her passion for teaching and working with children. She left her mark on various organizations including working with Board President Frank Zuccarelli and other elected officials. Her greatest joy was meeting President Barack Obama in 1998 at one of Frank Zuccarelli’s annual picnic celebrations.

Devola continued her passion for helping children as she was raising Gentry Johnson, Shanall Johnson and several other great-grandchildren. Shanall accepted her assignment form God and provided excellent health care to Devola for the past five years. Even after being cursed out every step of the way, Shanall never complained and provided her with loving care up until her final days. Devola also raised Tiane Elam and Anton Elam.

Devola also raised Monte Jones, Jr., who was her all-time favorite grandson along with granddaughter, Asia Connors. Monte and Asia were inseparable since and both carried on the values taught to them by their “granny.” Monte would often drive Devola around and cared for her late at night and as often as he could.

Although she didn’t raise Preston Jones, AJ Johnson, Neisha Connors, Julie Allen, Caleb Jones, Joy Jones and Isiah Jones, they were also her most recent favorites. She followed their sports journeys and their progress in school. She also raised countless other children of the family including, Lil Kenny Johnson, Jr, Andre Johnson, Jr. Shemia Johnson, Courtney Lane, Justin Foster, Ryan Foster,

Devola was proceeded in death by her mother, Thelma Hampton, and father, Andrew Jackson, brother Albert Wynn (preceded her in death); brother Charles Wynn (proceeded her in death); leaves behind her brother, E. Henry Hampton (last surviving brother). Her daughter, Bertha “Tuttie” Johnson, her son, Willie (Sherry) Johnson and best friend and sister, Evelyn Powell. Her sister Evelyn Powell leaves behind her daughters, Liz Powell, Theresa Powell, Shirley Hampton, Molly Hampton; her sons, Terry, David.

Devola Mae Johnson’s children: Antoine (Wilma) Johnson, Barbara Jean Jones ( Kenny Johnson, Rodney Jones, Reggie Jones, Demetrius Johnson); her son Willie “Kazoo” Johnson(Brittany and Reba Johnson), Andre Johnson (Pierre Johnson, Andre Johnson, Jr and Shemia Johnson), her baby girl, Christel Johnson, (Shanall, Shaquania Ward, and Gentry Johnson), son Thaddeus (Saprina) Jones (Thaddeus Monteleone “Monte” Jones, Jr and Preston Jones) son Jasmine Jones (his sons Isiah and Caleb Jones and daughter Joy Jones).

She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews: Nieces: Elizabeth (Kenneth) Powell, their sons, Marcaz, Kenzell and Quinton; Theresa Powell, her children: son Donqualle and Zach, daughters Aniya, Zechariah and Alicia. Her nieces Sharon and Robin. Shanya Fullerton: Nephews: Travis Lanengan, Chico Lanengan and Jamar Scarborough.

Funeral services for Ms. Johnson are as follows:

VIEWING

Sunday, June 4^th –3pm until 6pm

Wheatley Funeral Home

400 Pulaski Road

Calumet City, Illinois

FUNERAL SERVICE

Monday, June 5^th

Wake 11:00 AM

Service- 12:00 PM

Cathedral of Joy Baptist Church

20401 S. Western