MMHMF Honoree

MRS. CARRIE WILLIS JOHNSON 
2008 Education Award 

Carrie Willis Johnson received her early education experiences in the Prince Edward School System, Farmville, Virginia, graduating from Robert Russa Moton High School on June 4, 1956 as valedictorian of her class. She continued her studies at Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia, graduating with the Degree of Bachelor of Science – The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics on June 6, 1960. On May 21, 1972, Virginia State College, now University, conferred upon her the degree of Master of Education in Mathematics Education. She has done further studies at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia; University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; John Tyler Community College, Chester, Virginia and Richard Bland College, Petersburg, Virginia. 

Mrs. Johnson’s teaching experiences began in 1960 with the Nottoway Public School System. Other school systems where she worked include the Spotsylvania Public Schools (John J. Wright), Prince Edward Free Schools, Prince Edward Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools (Matoaca Middle and Matoaca High Schools), Adjunct Professor at Virginia State, and Petersburg Public Schools (Peabody Middle School).

During the forty-seven years of teaching, Carrie Johnson has contributed much to the success of children. She has been a role model for her students as well as her peers. To mention a few of her accomplishments or contributions: advisor for the Student Council Association; first Black teacher at Matoaca High; set up an after school tutoring program in Mathematics at Matoaca High (even taking the students home after tutoring); Mathematics Department Chairperson; and advisor to student teachers in the field of Mathematics from Virginia State College/University). In 1980, the Matoaca High year book was dedicated to her. In the Petersburg School System, she served as lead teacher for the eighth grade teachers and students; mentor to Mathematics teachers; Title One Mathematics teacher and the Virginia Middle School Teacher Corps. 

Mrs. Johnson is a member of many community organizations that include The Links, Incorporated, Petersburg Chapter; The Moles, Incorporated, Petersburg Chapter; and The Wives of Beaux Twenty. She is a member of Gillfield Baptist Church where she sings in the Gospel Choir and is a teller.

She is married to Dr. Norris J. Johnson. They were blessed with two children, Brenda Juacita (deceased) and Norris Dwayne; daughter-in-law, Charon and four grandchildren: James Bryant, Juacita, Chenteria and Arianna.