Christana Marie "Big Mama" Johnson

Christana’s life journey began on November 10, 1939, in Sparkman, Arkansas to the parents of Luvenia Henderson-Knight and Frank Graham. She graduated as valedictorian and the youngest graduate from Sparkman Training School in 1957 and attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AR. She worked in Crudup’s neighborhood store for several years. She also worked as a teacher’s aide at the Sparkman Elementary School. Christana worked at Masterson Sewing Factory in Sparkman and Camden. Later she worked as a home health aide and became a foster parent for several years.

Christana joined the Harmony Missionary Baptist under the leadership of Rev. F.O. Jones at an early age where she served faithfully until her health failed. 

She served in many capacities of the church including church secretary, choir, kitchen director, cemetery committee and mission president. She also worked faithfully in the Greater Bradley District Association for many years. She was a member of the NAACP and worked faithfully in the Sparkman community. Christana loved sewing, cooking, and family gatherings.

Christana met and married the love of her life Lee Henry Johnson on July 23, 1960, and they were blessed with four loving children Vicky, Valerie, Tressie, and Wayne. Christana instilled in her children the love of God and how to be responsible adults. Her saying was (ain’t) nothing free). 

She is proceeded in death by her mother, Luvenia Knight, father Frank Graham, Stepfather Chester Knight, brother Roy Lee Israel.

She leaves to cherish her legacy, three daughters and one son. Seven grandchildren, Jakori (Melissa), Krystal, Brandon, Kerry, Alex (Kali), Steven (Demeytres), LaDana; and sixteen great-grandchildren. Sister-in-law Gloria Israel, A special cousin and friend Leola McClanahan, Her BFF Deaconess Bobbie Walker, and her lifelong neighbor Mrs. Annie Rucks. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.