Lillie Belle Fields Johnson, 101
September 7, 1924 – November 9, 2025
Lillie Belle Fields Johnson, affectionately known as “LBJ,” was born on September 7, 1924, in Shannon, Mississippi, and peacefully departed this life on November 9, 2025, at the remarkable age of 101.
Ms. Johnson was the third of eight children born to the late Leander Sr. and Ida Moore Fields. She was reared in the Pine Grove Community of Shannon, Mississippi, surrounded by the love of her parents and siblings. At an early age, she confessed Christ and became an active and devoted member of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for many decades. Her love for Christ and her commitment to serving others extended well beyond the walls of the church, touching countless lives throughout the Northeast Mississippi community and beyond.
Lillie Belle began her formal education in the Monroe County School System and graduated high school at Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, Mississippi. She married Excell Johnson, Jr. of West Point, Mississippi. Their union was blessed with four children: Ida Pearl, Eddie Lee, Preston, and Andrew. Despite being a busy mother of four, she was determined to further her education; therefore, her pursuit of academic excellence led her to Okolona Junior College, followed by Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She later obtained a master’s degree from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, and an educational specialist degree from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi.
Following her studies, Ms. Johnson embarked on a distinguished career as a public school educator. She devoted 28 years to teaching elementary and special education students in the Lee County and Nettleton School Districts. Her passion for education, especially her advocacy for children with special needs, was the hallmark of her career. She was deeply committed to ensuring that all students had access to opportunities that would help them reach their fullest potential.
Beyond her professional life, Ms. Johnson was a tireless servant and community leader, which earned her recognition from the MS Governor’s Office. She was a proud member of numerous civic and social organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), where she served as president in the Tri-Counties area, the NAACP, the Black Business Association, the Boy Scouts of America, the Girls 4-H Club, and the Rust College Alumni Association. Because of her unwavering commitment to social justice and community empowerment, Ms. Johnson was nominated and selected as an honoree for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum
Major for Justice Award.
To know LBJ was to love her—her energy, compassion, and radiant spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She lived life to the fullest. She adored her family, friends, church, and community. Known for her impeccable sense of style, love of travel, and gift for nurturing both people and plants, she could make anything bloom with her “green thumb.” A gifted baker, she delighted others with her famous pound cakes and pecan pies. Upon retirement, at the encouragement of her sister Georgianna Thompson, she embraced entrepreneurship, opening Johnson’s One Stop in 1982. For nearly ten years, she operated the beloved neighborhood convenience store, which became a staple in the Pine Grove community.
Ms. Johnson was preceded in death by her two sons, Andrew Johnson and Eddie Lee Johnson; her parents, Leander Sr. and Ida Moore Fields; and her siblings—Bertha Fields Ervin, Georgianna Fields Thompson, Queen Elizabeth Fields Peters, Leander Fields Jr., Clyde Fields Sr., David Fields, and Howard Fields.
She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Ida Johnson Watts of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; one son, Preston Johnson (Fannie) of Jackson, Mississippi; six grandchildren—Danquel Watts Williams (Jim) of Atlanta, Georgia; Maresha Watts of Birmingham, Alabama; Vabren Watts (Quentin) of Baltimore, Maryland; Rahsaan Johnson (Tewana), Marcus Johnson, and Leanna Johnson, all of Jackson, Mississippi; and three great-grandchildren—Jaeden Williams of Atlanta, Georgia, and Taylar and Ra Tariq Johnson of Jackson, Mississippi. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold her memory dear.
Lillie Belle Fields Johnson’s life was one of faith, service, and love—a legacy that will continue
to inspire generations to come.
“Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
— Matthew 25:21
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