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Ola Mae Kelly Johnson

  • October 11, 1921 - January 6, 2012
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Memories & Candles

“Please forgive me. After I sent this message I realized tht I had misspelled Johnny. ”
1 of 10 | Posted by: Rosemary Salem - Virginia Beach, VA

“Johyyn and Family, Please accept my condolense for the loss of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. I worked with Ola MANY...Read More » ”
2 of 10 | Posted by: Rosemary Salem - Virginia Beach, VA

“Johnny and Family...We were very saddened to hear of Kelly's passing. We are sorry that we were unable to attend her funeral and pay our respects to...Read More » ”
3 of 10 | Posted by: Susan & Jeff Topping - VA

“Dear Wiley, Johnny, and Family--I was so saddened to learn about the loss of your dear mother and wife. You have my heartfelt sympathy and prayers. ...Read More » ”
4 of 10 | Posted by: Nancy - va BCH, VA

“Dear family of Ola Mae, We are so sorry for your great loss of your dear Mother. Your Mom Ola Mae always gave of herself so generously to not...Read More » ”
5 of 10 | Posted by: James W. (Jim) and Sue D. Kelly - NY

“I have been blessed to have a sister-in-law like Ola Mae. She served our country during WWII and loved her family. I thank her for giving me such...Read More » ”
6 of 10 | Posted by: Myrtle Kelleher - Richmond, VA, VA

“I have the most wonderful memories of being in my sweet Aunt Ola Mae's home when I was visiting as a child. It was like a child's paradise! There...Read More » ”
7 of 10 | Posted by: Catherine Sarver - AMHERST, VA

“I am really going to miss sweet Aunt Ola Mae, but at the same time I am happy for her as she can rest with no pain and can be eternally at peace. My...Read More » ”
8 of 10 | Posted by: Carol Johnson - VA

“Johnny, Lee and I send our condolences and fond memories of Ola. She was such a dear LADY and we know she is so much better now, she can see all...Read More » ”
9 of 10 | Posted by: Ray & Lee Benton - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

“Marvy and I offer our prayers and condolences to the Johnson family. ”
10 of 10 | Posted by: Rob and Marvila Sharpe - PA


Ola Mae Kelly Johnson, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, January 6, 2012, at Bay Lake Retirement in Virginia Beach. Ola Mae, or Kelly, as she is known to many, was born in Yadkin County, North Carolina on October 11, 1921 to Samuel Eli and Lula Saylor Kelly. She graduated with an Education Degree from Atlantic Christian College in 1942. She was an officer in the U.S. Navy, serving her country during World War II as a Wave in the Navy Department in Washington D.C., where she met her future husband, Joseph H. "Johnny" Johnson. Ola Mae followed Johnny around the country with his changing orders, and they started their large family. They have lived in Virginia Beach since 1964 and from that time have been active members of Thalia Lynn Baptist Church. Ola Mae started the first kindergarten, preschool and daycare at Thalia Lynn Baptist, and served as the first Director of Children's Ministries at the church. She was an active member of the Garden Club of Pembroke for many years, and participated in the Rose Show at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. She was an active volunteer in the community coordinating a food cooperative (SHARE), and helping children at local shelters. She loved and doted on her family. She could whip up a quick meal for 10 to 15 and always had room for another guest. Ola Mae sewed for her girls and loved to garden. She and Johnny traveled extensively and lived for a year in Nairobi, Kenya, helping to run an international school. Ola Mae is survived by her husband of 65 years, Joseph H. Johnson; and their 8 children and their spouses. Thomas B. Johnson and wife Susan, Janet S. Tucker and husband Robert, Joy P. Heely and husband Dale, James P. Johnson and partner Holly, JoAnn K. Boltz and husband Craig, Wiley R. Johnson and wife Vicki, Judy J. Manesh and husband Jim, and Jacqueline L. Conklin and husband Tom. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, some acquired by marriage, as well as a sister, Mildred Wright, and a brother, Roland Kelly. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, 2 brothers and a grandson. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, 4392 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA, followed by a reception at the church. The family will receive friends at the church Sunday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remember Ola Mae by doing an act of kindness. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.