Stella Catherine Johnson: A Life Anchored in Family and Strength

Born on October 30, 1906, in Homer, Claiborne, Louisiana, Stella Catherine Johnson grew up during a transformative period in American history. She was the daughter of James Colquitt "Jim" Johnson Sr. and Ollie Blume, who instilled in her a sense of resilience and familial loyalty.

Stella’s early years were shaped by joy and loss. Her family expanded with the births of her brothers, William Caperton Johnson in 1909 and Henry Blume Johnson in 1912. However, tragedy struck in 1919 when her mother, Ollie, passed away. Despite this loss, Stella carried forward her mother’s legacy of strength and nurturing.

In the years that followed, Stella married Mack Ozborn, a union that became the cornerstone of her adult life. Together, they raised a family in Decatur, Mississippi, where their home became a haven of love and resilience. Stella and Mack were the proud parents of three children:

• Marjorie Marie "Margie" Ozborn, born on December 7, 1925, who brought creativity and vitality to the family until her passing in 2003.

• James "Kenneth" Ozborn, born in 1928, who upheld the family’s values and left a legacy that endured until 2010.

• Nancy Jo Ozborn, born on May 18, 1932, whose life was filled with compassion and warmth until her passing in 1987.

Stella's life was deeply interwoven with the stories of her children, who carried her teachings into their own families and communities. She experienced the bittersweet passage of time, bidding farewell to her father, James, in 1957, and her beloved husband, Mack, in 1981.

Stella Catherine Johnson passed away on September 21, 1984, in Decatur, Newton, Mississippi. She left behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family that continues to inspire her descendants. Her life story reflects the enduring strength of a woman who faced life’s trials with unwavering grace, nurturing the roots of a family tree that continues to thrive.