In loving memory of

Johnetta Williams

Williams, Johnetta L. 70, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on December 25, 2016.
Born on January 9, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, she attained educational, professional and financial success that shattered racial and gender barriers. She attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and graduated from Southern Illinois University. She enjoyed a long and successful managerial career with the Internal Revenue Service.

Johnetta possessed a rare combination of professionalism, joy, love and commitment. She humanized us, brought us together, made room for all, and brought out the best in everyone. She led many charity drives, and was committed to the Florence Crittenton of Arizona organization. She was an enthusiastic world traveler whose curiosity was never quenched. She was a long-term active and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Johnetta was preceded in death by her parents, Julia Mae Brown and John Aaron Tolbert, by her sisters Karen and Leona, and by her brothers John, Jr. and Claude. She is survived by two sons, Philip Calhoun and Jason Calhoun; three step-children, Emmanuel (Kristin) Tytler, Elizabeth Tytler, and John Tytler; by sisters Charlotte French, Judy Moore, Patricia Douglas, Harriet Brown, Deborah Jackson, Dorothy Juanita Tolbert, Madeline Carol Robinson; by a brother, Herman Tolbert; by nine beloved grandchildren; and by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on January 3, 2017 at 11 a.m., at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. The family will receive visitors at the mortuary at 10 a.m. prior to the service, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Florence Crittenton of Arizona. As Johnetta often stated, "At the end of life, love is all that matters."

Tributes

Delores Manwar wrote on Jan 5, 2017:

"May God grant you peace and understanding and his unending love."

Virginia Smith Richmond Va wrote on Jan 3, 2017:

"I have been at a lost for words every since I heard the news of johnetta's passing. For over thirty years we we friends and sorors. I loved her and will miss her words of wisdom and friendship."

Madaline Hansen wrote on Jan 3, 2017:

"My sincere condolences to the family of dear Johnetta Williams. We knew each other from Faith Lutheran Church a few years back. She was always a vibrant, caring person with a beautiful voice. Rest in peace with your savior Johnetta."

Kemi A-I wrote on Jan 3, 2017:

"Rest In Peace Johnetta. I will never forget your smile, hugs and wonderful stories. May God grant you eternal rest."

Tee Tee wrote on Jan 3, 2017:

"My condolences to Philip and Jason. Be strong. She's at peace."

Dawn Strobert wrote on Jan 3, 2017:

"To our dedicated Soror Johnetta Your spirit, energy and love will be missed by all. Sending prayers of uplift and strength to her family. Lovely...Dawn Strobert"

douglas gray wrote on Jan 3, 2017:

"I worked for Johnetta at the Internal Revenue Service in Phoenix. She was a sharp lady, smart an a good manager.We will miss her smile and positive attitude at our annual IRS retirees lunch. Rest in peace Sincerely Doug Gray"

Ennise Williams Savoury wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"Although we never met, I love you just the same Dear Soror!! Rest peacefully in OO!!"

Rita Washington wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"Sanding prayers love to the family. Chuck and Rita Washington"

Isis wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"My very deepest condolences .. To the family and loved ones ..May God keep you in his loving arms ..Rest in Power..Queen Johnetta !"

Mari Griffin wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"My condolences to Phillip and Jason, so sorry about your loss. Your mom was a beautiful person inside and out. My God give you comfort and peace. Rest inn heaven Johnette. Mari Haskins Griffin and family. LOVE "

Leslie Watford Richmond, Va. wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"I could write a book about all the good times Johnetta and I have shared ! We were friends about 25 years and our connection in the beginning was Jamaica . Together we spent countless hours volunteering at Blosom Garden Orphanage in Montego Bay, holding babies and playing with the toddlers. All of our time spent in Jamaica was always full of laughter and fun! We weathered a hurricane there in 2004 and even turned that into a great memory. We rented a 55 foot houseboat with 9 women friends and took a five day trip down the Mississippi River from Wisconsin . We loved to shop together! I still have things I bought when I was shopping with her that remind me of our fun times. My greatest contribution to her life was probably when I taught her to play MahJongg! She loved that game and went on to make it her main social affair! Everything we shared together will live on in my heart. I am crushed that she is gone but I will never forget her. Our friendship was truely a special gift from God. May peace and love be with her family in the coming days. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal.""

Regina Shelton wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"Sending my prayers and condolences ? heaven gained a beautiful woman."

Sabrina T., Knightdale, NC wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"Peace and Love. To God be All the Glory. Rest in peace soror."

Pamelar Hickinson wrote on Dec 31, 2016:

"Over 20 years of laughs and stories, you will truely be missed. I love you"

Luisa Rodriguez wrote on Dec 30, 2016:

"I met Johnetta when she moved to Arizona. Johnetta was a very kind person and a true friend. She never judged people and always saw the good in all. We worked together and after her retirement we remained great friends. I will miss her infectious laughter and knowing she was always a true friend. I will miss her and blessed to have known her."

Odinaka Ozongwu wrote on Dec 30, 2016:

"I will miss Johnetta at Thanksgiving and Christmas it was our time, also visiting with her, her son Jason and his children. It was good to listen to her adventures, her dreams, future and listen to her family memories. Such a lady of poise, smart and I loved the way she smiled. She will never be forgotten by me and my family. Johnetta Rest In Peace. We cry we mourn but cherish the times we had togesther."

Susan Elijah wrote on Dec 30, 2016:

"I met Johnetta in 1988 when we were neighbors for a short time in Phoenix. We immediately became fast friends as she had a way of collecting people. It was her calling in life. I went home to Tampa but we always kept in touch. Some vacation time was spent with her in Arizona, Jamaica and we travelled to Europe. What great times we had. I shall never forget her generosity, kindness, love, friendship and devotion. My condolences to the family."

Barb and Dex Laske wrote on Dec 30, 2016:

"Sweet dreams dear lady. You are very much missed already at 8 Biltmore."

Yvonne W. Brandon wrote on Dec 30, 2016:

"I fondly remember meeting Johnetta for the first time some thirty years ago when she lived in Richmond, Virginia as I was engaged in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated membership process. She served as a role-model and mentor for me as we developed a friendly relationship as Sorors. Her laughter and sage words of wisdom still ring in my ears. ?May memories of Johnetta and the love of God and family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Sincerely, Yvonne W. Brandon, Ed.D."

Cathy and Mo Stein wrote on Dec 29, 2016:

"Johnetta and I met at Florence Crittenton of Arizona, and later she became our neighbor. She was a kind, gentle, loving woman and will be missed greatly by all the people who's lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this difficult time."

David Ross wrote on Dec 29, 2016:

"Our deepest condolences. Having had the pleasure of knowing Johnetta, I know that she will be missed."