The daughter of Mrs. Queen Esther Battle and the late Fred Key, Sr., Mrs. Johnson was born in Seale, AL and was a 1968 graduate of Mt. Olive High School. She obtained her Bachelor's degree from Alabama State University and Master's degree from Middle Georgia College. She was employed with Civil Services, Warner Robins Air Force Base as a contract manager.

Survivors, other than her mother, include: her husband of 45 years, Dan E. Johnson; two sons, Stacy Q. Johnson and William D. Johnson; a daughter, Clarinda Baker (Lawrence); four grandchildren, Malika Baker, Nashia Baker, Sonja Eugene Baker and Kiya Johnson; her step mother,Mrs. Estelle Key; her brothers, Fred Key, Jr. (Lillie), Ken Key, Douglas Terry Key (Rosalyn), Velvin Key, Carl Fortson, Melvin Key, Luther Key and Claude Davis Key; her sisters, Victoria Williams (Kelvin), Janice Bass (Alvin), Jonnie Bailey and Bennie M. Key; a host of loving nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.