Iris Johnson

Reflections of Our Iris

ELEGANCE, GRACE, ROYALTY, FAITH, WISDOM, HOPE, LOVE, COURAGE,VISION, PERCEPTION AND LIGHT

IN OUR EYES SHE SYMBOLIZED AND EMBODIED ALL OF THESE ATTRIBUTES AND MUCH MORE

Iris Faye Burrell Johnson, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday morning , November 30, 2025 at her home in Smithfield, VA. Iris, whose namesake is the birth flower for the month of February in which she was born- February 3, 1937 – to the late Hiawatha Hardy and Georgianna Burrell Smith in Norfolk, VA-was affectionately known as “Dean” to family and friends.

Iris accepted Christ early in her life and was baptized in the James River at Morgart’s Beach under the spiritual guidance of the Little Zion Baptist Church Pastoral ministry and fellowship in Smithfield, VA. Later on in life she united with Brown’s African Methodist Episcopal Church in Smithfield, VA, where she served in many capacities and roles- including the Missionaries, Financial Steward of the Stewardship Financial Committee as well as the Pastor’s Aide.

In her formative years as a youth, she attended Crestwood High School in Norfolk, Virginia. She later studied at Tidewater Community College for two years.

On October 8, 1955 she was united in marriage to Carl Spencer Johnson and to this union four children were born- Thomas, Carleeta, Aaron and Cheryl. Carleeta, Aaron and grandson Desmond preceded her in death.

As a caring and committed provider for her family she was employed at ITT Gwaltney, where she retired after 35 years of labor. However, in post-retirement she continued to work as a home health aide for Isle of Wight County Social Services.

Many Young African -American boys in the community will remember her as their “den mother’ working long with Mrs. Doretha Wellons for the local Cub Scout Pack, which met on Wharf Hill in the Elk’s Hall.

She was known to all who met her to have the “biggest most generous heart,” living a life devoted to love and laughter. Her greatest joy was her family and a wide circle of friends whom she cherished deeply. She had an extraordinary gift for taking people into her heart and home. Because of her endless hospitality, she was blessed with a large, non-traditional family, including a legion of “adopted sons’, daughters, nieces and nephews.

To cherish her memories, she leaves her son, Thomas S. Johnson (Seneca) of Portsmouth, Virginia and her daughter Cheryl Wells (James) of Surry, Virginia; daughter-in law, Regina Johnson; special nieces and nephews —Michelle, Michael, Johnnie Jr., Cathy, Sheila, Gloria, Thomasene, Jimmy Ray and Kenneth; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and numerous loving family and close friends.

In our knowledge of the Lord, we know that he is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit- With love, The Family

Viewing will take place from 2-5 pm, Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12 pm Monday, December 8, 2025, also at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Johnson family in your prayers.