Belva Johnson

Belva “Bell” Jane Johnson departed this life on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. She was born on December 28, 1939, in Modeste, Louisiana, to the late Washington and Alberta Thompson Stewart. She was married to the late Joseph “Joe” Johnson, Jr. for 58 years. Bell and Joe were immensely blessed with two devoted daughters: Annette Stewart and Delonder Johnson.

She was a member of Third Rose of Sharon Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she served as President of the choir, was crowned TRS Queen, and sang as part of the TRS Gospel Trio. A gifted vocalist, she spent her early years singing at weddings, funerals, and numerous church programs as the anticipated soloist. She was a member of the Wallace Davenport Gospel Choral. While in the Choral, she made five appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Gospel Tent. One of her most memorable moments was a highlighted performance at the 1984 Louisiana World’s Fair in New Orleans. Each of her dearest family members prepared for her anticipated birthday phone call, when she would sing her gospel version of “Happy Birthday.”

Belva leaves to cherish her fond memories her two daughters, Annette Stewart (Eugene) and Delonder Johnson-James (Rod); five grandchildren, Brittany, Wayne, and Angelica Stewart, and Astra and Jabari Watts; one bonus grandson, Brennan Hull-James; one great-grandson, Michael Ruffin II; one dear nephew, Wernell Stewart (Linda); a treasured niece, Yolanda R. Stewart; one godchild, Debra Ann Williams; a bonus daughter Rhonda Williams; her dear friend for 60 years, Eva Hollins; two other longtime friends, Doris Stewart and Helen Rogers. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Faye Johnson and Patricia Johnson; one brother-in-law, Alfred Johnson; special cousins Alvin Nicholas, Shirley Smith, Goddeary Garibaldi, Glorius Hall, Billie Ray Williams, Gail Newell Toliver, Yvonne Buggage, and Genevieve Jupiter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Relatives, friends, officers, and members of Third Rose of Sharon B.C., New Hope B.C., and St. Phillip B.C. of Modeste, LA, as well as Tulane University Medical Group, Morris Bart Attorneys at Law, Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, and Sunkissed Femmes are invited to attend the Celebration of Life and Legacy on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Third Rose of Sharon B.C., 2132 Third Street, New Orleans, LA, Pastor Kendrick C. Allen, Sr. officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow, next to her husband, at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

Special thanks to the Staff of Davita Memorial Dialysis, New Orleans and Atlanta Georgia; Ochsner and UMC Hospitals; Dr. Cinnamon Tucker; The Sanctuary at Passages Hospice.