On July 9, 2023, Dr. Sylvia Alaine McDonald Johnson stepped into everlasting life.

She was born on April 10, 1949 to Rev. Dr. Chester & Bertha McDonald in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. The oldest of 4 children, Sylvia showed flashes of the person she would become even during her childhood. Excelling in educational pursuits, she graduated from Western High School in Washington, D.C. and entered Howard University, graduating in 1971. At Howard, she was a member and featured soloist in the renowned Howard Gospel Choir under the direction of her classmate, Richard Smallwood.In July of 1973, she met the love of her life, and their love story was legendary.They met on a weekend, he proposed that Monday and she said yes. On June 1,1974, they were married by her father and in 49 years of life and love, they were blessed with two children, Timothy Aaron and Andrea Noel. As the daughter of a pastor, she understood and dedicated herself to the Lord's church, and as the wife of a pastor, her devotion only deepened. As a couple, they were a shining example to the churches they served, and she was honored to work beside her husband as the First Lady of the Little Zion Baptist Church (Orange, VA), New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (Ashland, KY), Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church (Jacksonville, FL) and along with Mrs.Barbara Jones, as one of the First Ladies of Gateway to Heaven Christian Church (Jacksonville, FL) where she served until her passing. At every stop along the way, she was involved in many different aspects of ministry and was beloved by all. Her ministry extended far beyond these congregations, as she traveled throughout the nation for years as a speaker for a plethora of churches, retreats and/or special occasions.

Sylvia began her more than 50-year career as an educator in the most unlikely place: Lorton Correctional Complex, a maximum-security prison in Lorton, VA.Throughout the years, she showed her students they were worthy, loved and worth fighting for. Never viewing education as a career, it was her calling. Whether her students were children or adults, middle schoolers or principals, she
gave selflessly and those who benefited from her guidance knew that each conversation was a personal learning opportunity.

Relocating to Jacksonville in 1986, Sylvia began what would be a 30 year career in Duval County Public Schools. Throughout her professional career, Dr. Johnson served as a classroom teacher, school-based administrator, district-level administrator and most significantly, a mentor to countless educators who now carry forward all that she taught them.

In 2000, she received the EVE Award from the Florida Times-Union, recognizing her as "a woman at the pinnacle of educational achievement." After her retirement from DCPS in 2016, Sylvia began a new career with New Leaders,Inc. of New York, NY. In this capacity she served as a consultant and trainer to school administrators while sharing her professional experiences. Never one to stop learning, she continued her education long after her career was underway and earned a Master's and Doctorate in Education from the University of North Florida, where she developed friendships that would endure for the rest of her life.To say that her life was full is an understatement. She lavished her husband and children with unconditional love and support, devoted herself to loving and caring for her parents, and was a constant source of wisdom and wise counsel for her siblings and any nieces or nephews who needed her. Even as so many felt her
love, there was no question that in the last 17 years, her grandchildren were the light of her life. Their fertile minds and hearts became the garden where she would sow her most treasured seeds and they were the students who would receive her final lessons. They, along with all who were blessed to know her, are the living legacy of a life lived with astonishing and amazing grace.

Sylvia was a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving faithfully in the Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter. She was also a beloved member of the Jacksonville Chapter of Continental Societies, Inc. and served both organizations in numerous capacities. Additionally, she was privileged to serve on the boards of the South African Children's Resiliency Project in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and Bright Holidays of Jacksonville, FL. She was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Dr. Chester A. McDonald, Sr. and leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Bertha G. McDonald of Upper Marlboro, MD; her husband, Rev. Dr. Walter H. Johnson; her son, Rev. Timothy
A. Johnson, Sr. (Kimberle) of Rolesville, NC; her daughter, Andrea N. Johnson of Atlanta, GA; one sister, Jocelyn M. Cherry of Upper Marlboro, MD; two brothers,Rev. Dr. Chester A. McDonald, Jr. (Jacqueline) of Pasadena, MD, and Charles I. McDonald, Sr. of Upper Marlboro, MD; three grandchildren, Faithe, Timothy, Jr. and Naomi; a host of nieces and nephews; devoted friends, Dr. Michelle Pointer
& Carol H. Daniels along with innumerable people whom she loved and led by her luminous example.