Lydia J. Rouse, 75 of Charlotte, transitioned into everlasting life peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday April 13, 2020 landing safely into the hands of the Lord. She was the daughter of the late Will Johnson, Sr. and Mary Crockett, was born January 12, 1945 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

After graduating from West Charlotte High School in 1964, Lydia moved to Washington DC to attend D.C. Teacher College and later moved back home to Charlotte, NC to marry her high school sweetheart, the late John R. Rouse in 1965, where they built a beautiful life together ad raised a loving family.  Lydia earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Shaw University and worked as a mental health case worker for Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services before retiring.  She was a member of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority.

Affectionately known around the community for her generosity and calm demeanor, Lydia would always go out of her way to make you feel at home with a warm smile that always made you feel welcomed.  A strong supporter of family, Lydia exemplified the true meaning of love, peace and togetherness as a lady who always had an encouraging word.  Lydia was never one to simply sit on the sidelines whenever a major undertaking or task was needed, as she would always find herself leading the way and ensuring it was completed on time and done right.

Lydia was preceded in death by two brothers, John White and Matthew Johnson.  She leaves to cherish in her passing two daughters, Chandra Rouse Ashford (Jeff) and Kimberly Rouse Saxton (Omar), both of Charlotte, NC; one son, Major John R, Rouse, II of New York; one sister, Lucinda Mackey (Robert, Sr.) of Charlotte. two brothers, Will Johnson, Jr. of Asheville, NC and Eddie Lee Johnson of San Francisco, CA; seven grandchildren, Cameron, Justin and Courtney Ashford, Amari, Nia and Miles Saxton, Jordan Rouse, one great-granddaughter, Italy Ashford; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.