Jacqueline A. Johnson

On June 29, 1946 in Columbus, Georgia, an angel was born in the humble abode of her grandmother Eloise Greenleaf. She was the second child of Clarence and Ella Allen, and they named her Jacqueline Aliece. She was called Jackie.

Jackie was one of four children, whose bond would remain strong throughout her life. She was their easiest child, Clarence and Ella said—quiet, easy-going, always smiling. That smile would become her trademark. She was the leader of the flock, mainly of her younger sister Pat and her younger brother Don. Somehow they often found themselves being influenced by her guidance. And though the eldest Clarence Jr. spent much of his time during his formative years with their grandmother Eloise (fondly known as Gran Lee) and subsequent years away in the Air Force, he was later reined in to receive Jackie's advice, guidance, and love.

Jackie was born into a military family. Her father Clarence Sr.'s career in the Army necessitated relocating his family to several places: Tallahassee, Florida; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Augsburg, Germany; and San Pedro, California. Jackie attended FAMU (Florida A and M University) High School in Tallahassee during her freshman and sophomore years and Augsburg American High School in Augsburg, Germany during her junior and senior years. At Augsburg High she distinguished herself by being inducted into the National Honor Society and by graduating as salutatorian of her class in 1964.

After moving to San Pedro in the summer of 1964, Jackie began her college years at Harbor Junior College in Wilmington, California and later transferred to UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) where in the spring of 1968 she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics. Here she also began in earnest her lifelong study of the scriptures with Campus Crusade for Christ, a Christian organization that promotes evangelism and discipleship at colleges and universities in more than 190 countries around the world. In keeping with a pattern she began early in life, she shared her knowledge with her friends and siblings. Though they were often not receptive, she patiently began a relentless campaign to enlighten them—an endeavor she continued for the rest of her life, an endeavor which many of them came to appreciate.

After earning her BA in 1968, Jackie began working for Glendale Federal Savings and Loan as a bank teller. A short time later, she became a computer programmer for the same company. By doing so, she achieved her childhood goal of becoming a programmer that had been instilled in her by a former teacher. After becoming a programmer, she returned to UCLA to earn an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) in 1975. While working at Glendale Federal and finishing up her MBA, she met the love of her life, Denham Johnson.

Jackie and Denham married on February 14, 1976, Valentine's Day, an appropriate day for their union to commence. A binding love has remained at their core into which they brought two beautiful daughters, Denielle Aliece and Angela Denise (Angie). Both daughters exhibit the influence of their parents' love and instruction. Both are loving, generous and kind. The four grandchildren Angie has contributed to this family also possess these qualities. Jackie's love for Christ is reflected in her love for her family, who share this love for Christ as well as for her.

Before they were married, Jackie had left Glendale Federal to work for Computer Science Corporation. She was working there during the first year of her marriage and continued to work there after having her two daughters. However, shortly after Angie's arrival, Jackie decided her role as mother and homemaker was more important. In a letter to her brother Don in 1979, she wrote "Therefore, I'm learning to try and have faith...By faith, I have left a career that was secure by most standards to become a homemaker – a good wife, a good mother, a good housekeeper, and last of all entertain a new type of career. I'm trying to set my priorities in line with God's priorities for my life. Through this, I'm trusting God to use me for His purpose – to show others to Him by my lifestyle." Her faith and trust in God was not in vain. In the seven years she stayed home to raise her daughters, she laid for them a strong foundation in Christ which continues to uphold them today.

When she decided to return to working outside of the home, it was not to the corporate world for which she had trained. She found more satisfying and uplifting employment with Calvary Christian Academy (later CrossRoad Christian Academy) in Gardena. There she taught computers to every student, kindergarten through eighth grade, at the school (some years as many as 500 students). She was often asked how she managed what seemed to be a grueling task. She would always respond with that special smile, "It's my ministry." Her heart was continually blessed by her former students who would return with words of thanks and praise for her instruction. Those were treasured moments.

Many who know Jackie know of her strong belief in God and the Bible and her commitment to following the teachings of Jesus Christ. She has been a member of several churches including St. Peter's Episcopal Church in San Pedro and Grace Brethren in Long Beach. She finally discovered her home at Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Rolling Hills Estates where she has been a member for the last 25 years. Here she found comfort in volunteering at Alpine Attic. She also continued her spiritual education at various seminars, Sunday School classes, and Bible studies held at her church. During those years she became familiar with numerous churches, ministries, missionary groups and charities including Life Covenant Church, World Vision, The Navigators, Hope International, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Christian Research Institute, Focus on the Family, and Military Outreach Ministry at Camp Pendleton—all which she chose to support monetarily. She also used her past teaching experience to grade papers for a prison ministry. Making these "meager contributions," as she called them, provided her some sense that she was promoting God's love and good will.

In Jackie's life, she was the "Salt and Light" that Jesus speaks of in the Gospel of Matthew. Her family and friends will sorely miss that sunny smile and generosity. They will miss her welcoming words as she opened her home and cheerfully greeted her guests on many gatherings for birthdays, movie nights, and holidays (especially the famous 4th of July barbecues). They will miss her. Yet they can feel grateful that by knowing this wonderful, sweet and loving person they have truly been touched by an angel.

Jackie is survived by her husband of 37 years, Denham; her daughters Denielle and Angela (Brandon) McKowan of Placentia, California; her three siblings, Clarence Allen, Jr. of Victorville, California; Patricia (Benjamin) Bobo of Los Angeles, California and Don (Rosemarie) Allen of Lone Tree, Colorado; and her four grandchildren, Essence, Chanté, Brandon and Denham Drew.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275