Welcome to GFT Hall OF Fame
The following are "Laborers" in the vein yard, who were called "HOME" because they recieved the letter from "HEAVEN" our Heavenly Father.
Pop & Mother Johnson (Our Shephard's Parents)
Lincoln "Pete" Johnson better known as Pop Johnson
I was born on April 17, 1929, in Carroll County, Mississippi to the late Lincoln Sr., and Alice Green Johnson. I was the fourth of thirteen children. In 1950, I married the love of my life, Ruth Ellis Johnson. Together we were blessed with three children, John, Orlester, and Gail. I served my country faithfully two years in the United States Army.
In 1958, I became a member at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr. In 1991 as our son, Pastor Orlester Johnson, accepted the call and began pastoring, my wife and I joined Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries. As a member, I served faithfully on the deacon board, the benevolent committee, and as Tuesday Noon Prayer Leader.
As Greater Faith Tabernacle and around my neighborhood I was affectionately called "Pop" and Mayor of Rochester". I enjoyed helping my neighbors and friends with cutting yards, running errands, and even visiting the nursing home. On a yearly basis, I enjoyed keeping and maintaining my vegetable garden. I would even lend my big blue truck out to help others.
As I join the love of my life, Ruth-El, in heavenly bliss on this day, March 6th, I am also joining my brothers Parker and Hymond Johnson who proceded me.
I leave to cherish my memories: my children, John (Renell), Orlester (Jo Ann) and Gail Staples (James). My brothers and sisters, Robert Lee, Odell (Chicago), and Jimmy (June), LuRean Woodley (Sylvester), Mae Frances Boyd, Willie Lou Pate (Cruger, MS) Lou B Wiley (Hurman Sr.), Mary Powell, Johnnie Lee Richey (Willie), and Devoe Gatewood, all of Chicago. I have nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, friends and my Greater Faith Tabernacle family.
I would like to give special tanks to Mrs. Dorthy Harden, Geraldine Bailey, and Joseph Roberts. The West Clinic of Southaven, MS, Health South Rehab and the 3-South Staff at Methodist Germantown Hopsital, Dr. Michael and Whitlock and Angelyn Poindexter with whom I talked daily. Also, we give special thanks to the entire Greater Faith Family who worked untiringly during this hour of bereavement.
Shirley F. Pratcher Warner
Shirley F. Pratcher Warner (Fugie) was born December 20, 1955 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her loving parents were the late J. L. Dotson and Ruby Lee Dotson who along with her sister Venita (Tato) Dotson Pratcher preceded her in death. she departed this life on March 17, 2009 at Methodist Germantown Hospital. She completed her battle and started her journey with the Lord.
Fugie accepted Christ at an early age and joined Prospect Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Claude Smith Sr. in Memphis, Tennessee. Her gift for singing was shared when she later joined Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church under the leadership of Alvin O'Neal Jackson where she was a long standing member of the sanctuary choir and Greater Paradise under the leadership of Reverend Gregory C. Stokes where she was often called upon to render solos. Her final transition in serving Christ was enjoyed by the members of Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Orlester Johnson.
Fugie's heart was centered on her family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews, and she paved the way for many. She was a trailblazer and displayed one of her most extravagant ministries of love and help. The love she displayed was exemplary and warmly noticed by many who knew her. To all her time was too brief, but God called and Shirley answered.
Fugie was known throughout the Human Resources industry as an expert where she shared her many talents with Smith & Nephew, Herbalife, Sam's Town and West Tennessee Family Solutions. After graduating from Hamilton High School class of 1973 where she was an elegant flute player for the Wildcats Band and receiving her Bachelor degree in Human Resources form Crichton College, she excelled throughout the industry becoming a mentor to many. Shirley was a dedicated employee, church member, singer, friend, mentor, couselor, very special sister, aunt, cousin, niece and most of all a CHILD OF GOD. She had great love for her family and friends, she brough great joy to everyone she came in contact with always making everyone happy.
To celebrate her homegoing she leaves to cherish her memory two sisters; Sylvia (Fay) Dotson-Corona, CA, and Jackie (Nana) Luckett, four brothers: Vedois "Sonny" Day (Lois)-Jackson, MS, James (Peter) Dotson, Jerry (Butchie) Pratcher, and Kenneth (Kenny) Pratcher, two special aunts: Rosie Lee Dotson and Mavis Cook, a special sister, Juliette Eskridge, fiance, Dr Bill Davis, six nieces, Veronica Latrice Dotson Graham (Patrick)-Corona, CA, lakeisha Dowdy, Yashika Latrice Nelson, Lazondra Vann, Kenisha King-Jackson, MS and Shaianna Pratcher, three nephews, Anwar Nelson, Kenneth Pratcher Jr. (KJ), Deangelo Pratcher, three great-nieces, Patrie Graham-Corona, CA, Kentrice Wright, Dominique Dowdy, three great-nephews, Patrick Graham Jr. ((PJ)-Corona, CA, Deon Dowdy and Ashton Nelson, a hose of other relatives, special friends, co-workers and church members.
