Johnnie Beatrice Furrs

Obituary
Johnnie Beatrice Furrs quietly departed this life on November 25, 2018. Born Johnnie Beatrice Smith on February 26, 1929, to the late George Berkely and Fraline (Baggs) Smith in Ludowici, Long County, Georgia, she married on December 24, 1949 to the late John Furrs, Jr. This union continued until the passing of John, Jr. on October 7, 1999. From this union two sons were born.
Prior to her marriage to John, Jr., Johnnie Beatrice attended Walker High in Ludowici, GA where she became recognized as a studious student and a star basketball player. Shortly after her marriage, and as part of the great-migration from the rural south to the urban northeast, she and her husband John, Jr. relocated to Brooklyn, New York.
Johnnie Beatrice’s personal relationship with God began at St. Thomas Baptist Church, Ludowici, Georgia through Kelley’s Temple Church of Christ, Brooklyn, New York to America Come Back To God under the pastorate of the late Bishop Wallace Furrs. It was at ACBTG where Johnnie Beatrice truly found her love of the Lord. Prior to her fading health, her love and devotion to God and the church was displayed as an active member to the church’s missionary and bible teachings. Johnnie Beatrice loved to sing, read the Bible, and regularly attend prayer meeting and Bible classes.
Johnnie Beatrice’s authenticity, kindheartedness, and love of family were the essence of who she was. The pride of knowing and sharing her Georgia origins and her graceful and persuasive voice to guide others were her offerings and qualities.
Namely a child of God, Johnnie Beatrice was and will always be remembered as Mother (Mommy), Grandma, Johnnie, Johnnie B, Beatrice, B, Sister, Aunt, Auntie, Friend, and Neighbor.
Johnnie Beatrice leaves to cherish her memory: two sons Quinn Anthony of New York and Alfred Erskin of Maryland; two daughters-in-law Emilie and Petra; four grandchildren Michael, Michelle, Katharina, and Jonathan; one brother-in-law Ulysses of New York, four sisters-in-law Bernice of Georgia, Geraldine, Shirley, and Ella all of New York; and nieces, nephews, and cousins from New York, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, and Georgia.

The Matriarch is gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant in the home
Which never can be filled.
Since you have gone and we remain
One thing we will have you do,
Walk patiently down that Heavenly Road
For someday, we will follow you.

The Family

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.
John 14:1-3