Etta Virginia Johnson's Obituary
Celebrating the Life, Legacy, and Lineage of Etta VirGinia (Genii) Johnson**
June 17, 1952 - November 30, 2025
“She left a blueprint for a life well lived.”
Etta VirGinia Johnson was born on June 17, 1952, to Clemmie Lee and Lillie Belle Johnson at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was named after her paternal aunt, Virginia Etta Mae Malone (2006). Etta was raised in the historic and illustrious community of Pleasantville, the first master-planned neighborhood for African Americans in the United States. Pleasantville served as fertile ground where Black families of the 1950s and 1960s could thrive in business, politics, and family life. As the middle child of seven, she developed her individuality early. Known for her eloquence and strong voice, she often joked that while her grades were always high, she consistently received P’s in conduct—for talking too much.
Etta who was lovingly called “VirGinia” by family, friends and loved ones, began her path to individualism, oration and intellect at a young age.
She made her swift transition after 73 years to her place of rest. She is reunited with her parents and siblings, Laverne, Richard, Natalie, and Barbara Johnson.
Known for her self-awareness, independence, and love of learning, Etta traveled extensively around the world, gathering experiences that shaped her identity.
She excelled academically from elementary school through high school. She was an alumnus of San Jacinto High School c/o 1970 and was one of the first to be a part of integration. She was an active member of the thespian club, where she discovered her love for theater and the arts.
On October 6, 1973, Etta welcomed her greatest gift—her daughter, Keeshemah Wuanne. She strived for a better life for the two of them, leading her on a lifelong journey of personal growth, academic achievement, and spiritual development. Etta spent the 1980s and 1990s as a dedicated respiratory therapist, committed to serving others during critical moments of need. After visiting a cousin in 1985, she made the bold decision to move herself and her young daughter to Fremont, California, where she lived for much of her life. A natural trailblazer, she met every challenge as a lesson, continually evolving with strength and grace.
Her pursuit of knowledge continued throughout adulthood. In the early 2000s, Etta returned to college and earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from California State University, Los Angeles, followed by a Master’s in Education from California State University, East Bay with a concentration in Online Teaching and Learning. Near the end of her life, she was contemplating becoming a PhD candidate, further exemplifying her passion for learning.
In her final years, Etta found her greatest joy in education. She served as an online English teacher for grades 5–8 with the Carson City private school, where her students admired her intellect, wit, and warm guidance.
Etta was a woman of many talents: an author, writer, activist, historian, and healer. She approached life with self-awareness, independence, and a steadfast love of learning. Her quick wit, positive outlook, and passion for intellectual debate made her unforgettable to all who knew her.
She is survived by her brothers Roland and John Johnson (Houston, Texas), Her daughter, Keeshemah Wuanne (San Francisco, Ca). She leaves a legacy of 3 grandsons Korey Ahndre (Midvale, Utah), Kameron Alexander (SF, Ca), Kabien Richard (Dallas, TX) Barron and one great granddaughter Kalyana Cameron Trone-Barron (Houston,TX).
Her remaining sisters in love’s, nieces and nephews, cousins, best friends, and the vast majority of classmates, colleagues and friends.
Etta’s bold spirit, keen intellect, and unwavering authenticity leave an enduring mark on all who were blessed to know her. She embraced life’s gifts fully and remained a loving, loyal friend to those closest to her. Her essence continues to live on in the faces and hearts of her daughter, her grandsons, and her great-granddaughter.
She will be missed by many, yet her spirit of boldness, uniqueness and look lives on in the faces of her daughter, grandsons and her great grand daughter.
Etta Virginia Johnson will be profoundly missed, yet forever remembered for her strength, brilliance, and incomparable spirit.
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