VIOLET RAE JOHNSON

Violet Rae Johnson, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, transitioned peacefully from this life on October 28, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. She was born on July 7, 1941, in Prescott, Arkansas, to the late Homer Herman Shaw and Lillie Ofelia Warren Shaw.

When Violet was born, her father struggled to choose the perfect name. As the hospital pressed him for a decision, he looked out the window, saw a patch of beautiful purple flowers, and asked the nurse what they were. When she replied, “Violets,” he smiled and said, “Well, her name shall be Violet.” That name fit her perfectly—a reflection of her beauty, strength, and grace.

At just six months old, Violet’s life nearly came to an end when she fell gravely ill with whooping cough. Her father, fearing the worst, believed she had taken her last breath and called for the undertaker. But her grandmother refused to accept it. She took baby Violet home in faith, praying fervently for God to restore her life. That night, police surrounded the house, convinced she was hiding a deceased child. Yet, six years later, that same grandmother proudly walked into church with little Violet by her side—alive, healthy, and full of spirit. When her mother saw her, she fainted with joy. It became one of Violet’s favorite stories to share, a living testament that God had plans for her—to live, to love, and to bless others for 84 extraordinary years.

As a spirited young girl, Violet had an unforgettable run-in with her brother “Sunnyman.” One day she got a little too curious with his comic books. He warned her, “You better leave my stuff alone, or I’m gonna shoot you with this BB gun!” Well, Violet wasn’t the type to back down. She called his bluff—and learned quickly that he wasn’t bluffing! Sunnyman pulled the trigger, and that BB popped her right in the eye. From that day on, Violet couldn’t see out of that eye—but she could surely see through people! She’d later joke, “He might’ve got my eye, but he didn’t get my vision.” That story became a family classic, capturing her humor, resilience, and that unshakable Violet spirit everyone loved.

Violet’s early years were spent in Prescott, Arkansas, before the family moved to Spring Hill, Louisiana, when she was ten. Her father operated a sawmill, and at sixteen, Violet’s job was to write out the receipts—a task she performed with precision and pride as the family traveled wherever the mill was set up.

She attended Blevins Training School in Blevins, Arkansas, and later Brown High School in Spring Hill, Louisiana. She graduated from Carrie Martin High School in 1961—her diploma still reading “Negro High School,” a reminder of the era she lived through with grace, dignity, and quiet strength.

In 1960, while living in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, Violet met James Johnson, who would soon become her husband. The two were united in marriage in 1962—a bond that blessed them with a beautiful family. Together they welcomed their children: Shelia Ford, James Johnson, Anita Watson, Diane Johnson-Peters, Michael Johnson, Greg Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson.

Later in life, Violet was blessed to find love again with Holsey Minafee, a man who cherished her deeply. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, respect, and laughter. Holsey purchased their first home on Leland College Drive, which soon became the heart of family gatherings, warm meals, and countless memories. He embraced Violet’s children as his own, becoming a steady father figure and the beloved “Papa” to her grandchildren.

Holsey also encouraged Violet’s independence. He taught her how to drive and bought her a car of her own, a gesture that spoke volumes about his love and faith in her. Their bond, built over more than 30 years, was one of deep care, partnership, and quiet strength—unshakable until Holsey’s peaceful transition on March 14, 2012.

Violet was the proud sister of Herman Shaw, Homer Shaw, Martin Shaw, and Van Edward Shaw, and her loving sisters Nina Shaw, Martha Ann Taylor, and Vickie Herrin.

A devoted woman of faith, Violet began her Christian journey at the Methodist Church in Prescott, Arkansas. Upon moving to Dallas in 1965, she joined Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a dedicated member for many years, later joining St. John Missionary Baptist Church to continue her walk with the Lord.

Violet was admired for her tireless work ethic, loving heart, and joyful spirit. She devoted over 30 years to Kips Big Boy Hamburgers as a cook, where her delicious meals and warm smile left a lasting impression on everyone she served. She later worked as a Supervisor at The Mailbox for 15 years and spent another 15 years at Pillowtex, where her dedication, leadership, and kindness earned her the respect and love of all who knew her.

During her years at Pillowtex, Violet formed a lifelong friendship with her dear friend, Lucille Jones. The two shared countless laughs, and memories together. Lucille remained faithfully by Violet’s side through every season of life—and lovingly stood with her before she made her peaceful transition.

Throughout her years in the kitchen, Violet learned countless recipes that became family favorites. She was famous for her spaghetti, salmon croquettes, chicken dressing, and her one-of-a-kind homemade tartar sauce. Sundays were sacred—she’d cook a big breakfast with all the fixings, filling her home with the smell of love and home cooking. Her family adored her meals so much that when she called to say, “the food’s ready,” everyone raced to get there first for an extra plate! Those meals weren’t just food—they were memories, laughter, and love served hot.

In the early 1990s, Violet pursued her entrepreneurial spirit by opening a consignment shop, where she sold knickknacks and treasures on weekends.

Violet had a deep love for flowers and gardening. Her yard was always bursting with color, and she took great pride in growing her own vegetables—a tradition that reminded her of her country roots. Even after settling in the city, those roots ran deep. She often said, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.”

She was also an animal lover—cats were her constant companions, and for a time, she even had parakeets, until she learned that cats and parakeets don’t make the best roommates! True to her farm-girl spirit, Violet also kept chickens in her backyard and proudly collected fresh eggs each morning.

Violet loved telling stories about her childhood, her family, and her grandkids. She had a remarkable memory and sharp wit—always ready with a joke, advice, or a loving word of truth. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride.

Deeply spiritual and discerning, Violet often experienced visions and trusted her instincts with conviction. She shared that her late daughter Anita visited her in spirit many times. As a little girl, she was told by a wise woman she would live a long life and was blessed with “the gift of visions.” That prophecy proved true.

One thing about Violet—she was also superstitious! You’d never catch her sweeping out the front door at night, opening an umbrella indoors, or letting a black cat cross her path without turning around.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Roy Johnson; her lifelong companion, Holsey Minafee; her loving parents, Homer and Lillie Shaw; brothers Herman and Van Edward Shaw; sister Martha Ann Taylor; and daughters Anita Watson (and her late husband, Thomas Watson) and Elizabeth Johnson.

Violet is survived by her loving family: three daughters, Shelia Ford (Freddie Scott), Diane Johnson-Peters, and Nina Brown; three sons, Michael Johnson (Shenequia), Gregory Johnson (Melissa), and Renard Minafee (Laura); three sisters, Nina McLemore, Vickie Herrin (Bobby), and Mary Anne McLemore (Walter); and one brother, Martin Shaw. She leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom loved their Granny deeply. Her memory will also be cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Violet’s legacy is one of love, perseverance, and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her laughter that could light up a room, her home-cooked meals that brought families together, and her unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren. Her faith, humility, and compassion will continue to live on in every life she touched.

Though Violet has gone on to her eternal rest, the seeds of love she planted will bloom forever in the hearts of those who knew her.