In Memory
Erika Dena (Johnson) Grayson
May 2, 1975 ~ June 1, 2025 (age 50)
Erika D. Grayson, 50, of South Bend departed this life peacefully on Sunday June 1, 2025 at her residence.
Arrangements pending.
6/05/2025 djb
Erika Dena Johnson
May 2, 1975 ~ June 1, 2025 (age 50)
Mrs. Erika Johnson, went to sleep on June 1, 2025, on this side and woke up at the same moment in the arms of Jesus. Erika, known to her babies as, (Auntie Erika, Nonny) was born on May 2, 1975, to Kathy Williams and Edward Johnson in South Bend, IN. There are no words in our vocabulary to describe the blessing she was to so many. A true daughter, she was that. A grounded mother, she was that. If she was your friend, she was ten toes down for you (a true rider).
Her babies rose up and called her blessed. They worshipped the ground she walked on. She would go to the ends of the earth for them and she often did. She did not seek thank you or a pat on the back. Her reward was seeing children, healthy, happy, and whole. She worked tirelessly as a hospice nurse for many years. Her patients would request her by name because they knew they were receiving the best that this world had to offer in terms of care, compassion, and commitment. She was her mother's heartbeat. She was her son's air. Whatever you called her, she was a real one.
She surrendered her whole heart to Christ many years ago and she lived it out daily in so many small ways. She was an inspiration to so many members of the Greater St. John Mime's Ministry where she was a faithful member. Her feet have left a permanent dent in the floor under her parent's kitchen table where they were always parked to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and just because of the day. Erika would fit in your heart like the missing link of your life. Her memory is etched in our souls so deeply that time and eternity will not erase them or replace them.
Erika died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, June 1, 2025. She leaves so many to celebrate her life. Her mother Kathy (Pastor Barney) Lewis. She loved her papa Barney, her dear son Christopher King, all of South Bend, IN, two brothers: Rodney and Jarrell, both of South Bend, IN; eight sisters Summer Johnson of Ohio, Shani Johnson-Cole of Indianapolis, IN, April Lewis of South Bend, IN. Maria Lewis, Monica Lewis, Taunita Horta all of Chicago, Ameka Ellis of North Carolina, Twana Berry of Cedar Lake, IN. four grandchildren, Khy'leyah, Josiah, Zeo'vonne, and Kyrie.
Her precious nieces and nephews: Kiershaun (her forever baby), Taylor, Kiara, Emoni, Vacarre, Tatina, Emoni, Corey, David, Jakob, and Jeremiah. Her super special babies: Isaiah, Makenzy (Juicy Burger), Maryah Lorraine (Lolo), Maycee Rose, Maliyah, and Lyric. She was the pied piper of children. Some of the people she held dear to her heart were, Shalon Davis (Shay) and her dear friend Timothy Womack as well as a host of aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by all her grandparents (Maternal and paternal), her biological father Edward Johnson, and several aunts and uncles.
Her favorite bible passage: Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come; nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate me for the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
6/8/2025 djb
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