TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE YVONNE JEFFRIES JOHNSON
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, Yvonne Jeffries Johnson was born on October 26, 1942, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and dedicated her life to public service, civil rights, and community leadership; and
WHEREAS, she grew up in Greensboro during a time of segregation and became an early advocate for civil rights, participating in pivotal movements such as sit-ins and the 1963 March on Washington, even enduring incarceration for her commitment to justice; and
WHEREAS, she graduated from Bennett College in 1964 and earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from North Carolina A&T State University, reflecting her lifelong dedication to education and service; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, she became the Executive Director of the non-profit organization One Step Further, serving Greensboro's youth through mediation and court alternative programs, and remained in this role until early 2024; and
WHEREAS, she began her political career in 1993 as a member of the Greensboro City Council, serving with distinction for 14 years, and held the role of Mayor Pro-Tem from 2001 until 2007; and
WHEREAS, she made history in 2007 by becoming the first African American to serve as the Mayor of Greensboro, serving until 2009, and was later reelected as an at-large City Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem in 2011; and
WHEREAS, her leadership contributed to the establishment of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, located at the site of the historic Woolworth's Greensboro sit-ins, supported the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the events of the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, championed environmental sustainability efforts, and was a stalwart advocate for social justice; and
WHEREAS, she was recognized for her exceptional contributions by receiving the Stanley Frank Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance; the African American Woman of Distinction Award by the African American Atelier; the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award for Peace from Morehouse University; and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, the highest recognition in the state by Governor Roy Cooper; and
WHEREAS, her dedication extended to numerous boards and organizations, including The Greensboro Drifters, Inc. of which she was the founder, served as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Bennett College Board of Trustees, United Way Board of Director, in addition to the Girl Scouts of America, the Women’s Resource Center, Malachi House, Triad Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, Greensboro Housing Coalition, Foster Friends, Sports Dreams, and the Greensboro Arts Council to name a few; and
WHEREAS, she remained an active member of the Episcopal Church and was a respected leader, mentor, and inspiration to countless individuals throughout her life, and was a proud Tribal Member of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation; and
WHEREAS, notwithstanding her many academic, professional and civic accomplishments, her greatest achievements included her 56-year union to Attorney Walter T. Johnson, Jr., who predeceased her in 2021, her four children: Walter T. Johnson III (Samara), Vernon Johnson (Dr. Tina), Attorney Lisa Yvonne Johnson-Tonkins (Elbert) and Shannon Johnson-Lackey (Tarji). Her adoration for her children was only matched by the love for her eight grandchildren: Vernon “Kenji” Johnson, Jalen Tonkins, Teara Johnson, Devin Tonkins, Lillian Sequoyah Johnson, Sanai’ Yvonne Johnson, Maya Grace Johnson and Malik Tonkins and three great grandchildren, Kamaari, AuliaGracie and Carmelo, along with a host of extended family and friends that continue to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to family, faith, and community; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne Jeffries Johnson passed away on December 4, 2024, at the age of 82, the same date she was sworn in as Mayor. She leaves an indelible mark on the city of Greensboro, the state of North Carolina, and the broader fight for equality, justice, and opportunity for all, emulating her favorite quote from the late United States Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners do hereby honor the life and legacy of the Honorable Yvonne Jeffries Johnson, acknowledging her extraordinary leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people of Greensboro and beyond. Her life’s work will continue to inspire future generations to strive for equity, justice, and community service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of the Honorable Yvonne Jeffries Johnson as a token of gratitude and recognition of her many years of public service to the Guilford County community, state and beyond. The Board extends its sincerest condolences to her family and friends in her passing.
ADOPTED this 19th day of December 2024.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Adopt resolution honoring the life and legacy of the Honorable Yvonne Jeffries Johnson.
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