Johnsie L. Small was born on August 12, 1940, in Huntersville, North Carolina to her parents, John and Mary Jane Kearns. She was the third child born in the family. She was raised surrounded by her sisters, Frances and Gerthie Mae.  Johnsie L. Small departed this life on April 10, 2022, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

She received her early education by attending the public schools in Huntersville, North Carolina. On June 7, 1957, Johnsie Lee married Robert Small. To this union, Wayne, Johnny, Fielding, Onnie, Perry, and Teresa were born. The love she shared with her family was unconditional and never ending. At the time of her passing, she and Robert had been happily married for sixty-four years.

Johnsie was a homemaker and took great pride in the care and nurture of her family. She was truly a devoted wife and mother.

Johnsie was a member of St. Johns Primitive Baptist Church located in Charlotte, North Carolina. She believed in the power of prayer and felt everyone needed to have the right relationship with the Lord.

Johnsie was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed life and those she encircled. In her free time, she enjoyed spending quality time with her family, conversing on the phone, listening to Gospel music, and watching her favorite soap opera, General Hospital.

Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her husband, Robert Small; children, Johnny Small, Fielding Townsend, Perry (Sonya) Small, and Teresa (Jessie) Guy all of Charlotte, North Carolina; her devoted niece, Carrie (Alvin) Braswell of Aurora, Colorado; 15 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

She will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known this kind and wonderful woman. To know Johnsie was to love her.