The Life of Hattie L. Frierson-Johnson
May 25, 2021
Hattie Louise Frierson-Johnson was born on August 29, 1957 to Barbara Frierson and Robert Pitchford in Chicago, Illinois. She was fourth born out of eight children but you could not tell she was not the big sister. Hattie was raised in her early childhood on the northside of Chicago with her mother and great-grandmother at their family home.
Hattie accepted Christ at an early age and was a member in many places of worship throughout her lifetime. In her younger years, she attended Benjamin Franklin Elementary School and Fenger High School. She developed many relationships with her classmates and relocated to the Southside of Chicago and was affectionately accepted in what they called The Valley. She met and married her first husband Andrew Wilson and there was three boys born to this union: Andrew, Marcus and Julius. Their marriage did not last but she still kept a tight-knit connection with her Wilson family throughout the years. She later dated Dennis Stamps and during her relationship with him her baby boy was born, Tobias. Hattie and Dennis stayed together for a few years as a family before they departed their ways. Hattie’s passion was to raise her boys and working hard for her children. She later decided to attend Trainco Business College studying office systems and procedures.
In 1994 she married Randall Knox and their union was one for the books. They met and partied at Brother’s Palace on many nights and shared a lifetime worth of memories during their time together. They were together until Randy became suddenly ill departed this life in 1998. No children were born to this union.
Hattie decided to give love one more chance and married Gregory Johnson in 1999. Although no children were born to this union together their blended family spent many days and nights with family gatherings, holidays, birthdays and good ole Sunday dinners.
Hattie was a hard-working woman and nothing short of a true Diva. She started with a paper route as a young teen. She also worked during the summers of her high school years at NYC. She held many other jobs but enjoyed working at Salvation Army of Chicago prior to her final job tenure at the V.A. Hattie joined the Edward Hines V.A. team in 1985 in the Administrative Department where she successfully moved up in the ranks helping and assisting many, many veterans, and staff member for 32 years. Hattie held three positions during her tenure at Hines V.A. starting as a Clerk, Eligibility Supervisor and AOD. Hattie developed many friendships, relationships sisters and brothers alike during her time at Hines V.A. Many look to her as a Big Sister no matter age because of her desire to help everyone that she encountered. She embraced all people no matter ethnicity, age or background. She was promoted to Section Chief of Admitting & Eligibility in the Patient Administration department at Jesse Brown V.A. Medical Center in February of 2017 where she thrived successfully until she became ill. She dedicated 36 years to the V.A. and will be missed immensely by the staff and veterans.
A DIVA by nature and vivacious to say the least. Hattie was a fashionista and loved to shop. A thrifter for sure and no matter where she was if saw a Goodwill she stopping to see what they had in that store. Hattie lived an exceptional life no doubt. Known as momma to all of her sons closest friends and cousins. Hattie was known to speak her mind and could pack a mean punch behind it if provoked. Definitely a fighter until the very end.
Hattie Loved to cook and would feed any and everyone that crossed her threshold. Provided meals and a helping hand to many. That one girlfriend or sister that you could always depend on. Your sister from another mother. Your favored auntie of all and loved by many family members. She called everybody with a birthday song sang like no other than Hattie. One of the most lovable, kindest, charismatic woman you will ever meet. Wonderful she was.
Hattie enjoyed traveling but her latest journey she traveled alone. She left her earthly life to join the angels on Wednesday May 12, 2021 at Gottleib Hospital. Hattie was preceded in death by her loving son Julius, Asa and Tameiko Perry; Her sister Christal and brothers Charles and Earnie; Both her parents Barbara Frierson, Robert Pitchford; Her grandparents Anna Louise & Leon Frierson; Her Great-Grandmother and Namesake Hattie Louise Davis; Her Bonus Mom Debra Willis and Best Friend Renee Willis.
Hattie leaves to cherish her precious memories: Her Husband Gregory Johnson; Children: Andrew (Deirdre), Marcus, Tobias, Junssen, Erick Fritz Winston (Shontae); Step-Children: Gregory Jr., Aaron, Bryana Johnson of Winona, Mississippi; Grandchildren: Marcus Jr., Jasmine, Mikahya, Tyshun, Tamia, Tiara, Javon, Crishawna, Fred, Aaliyah, Tiara, Tionna, Tyler, Jade, Skylar, Sincere; Great -Grandchildren: Londynn, Tyshun Jr, Fred Jr, Rashad, Travey, Malaya, Aaron Jr., Amina; Foster Mothers Donna Wilson and Delores Randolph; Brothers & Sisters: Arlington, Keith, Mechele (James), Mark, Karen, Julie, Monique, Natasha; Brothers & Sister-In-Laws: Marvin, Reshonda and Yulanda Johnson, Lawana Carter and Laray Farrow; God Sons & Daughters: Khaleah, Nico, La-Floy; Bonus Sons & Daughters: Kim, Alexia, Maritza, Monique, Tiffia, Tiffany, Kado, Demetrius, Corey, Lovar, Naurice, Dantayne; Uncles & Aunts: Harriet, Gordon (Cynthia), Barbara (Jimmie); Pauline A1-Day1; Very Special Family, Friends and Sisters & Brothers in Love: Debbie, Sadaria, Denise, Lavita, Patricia, Zelda, Byron, Wanza, Cathy, Rosemary, Bettye, Jackie, Theresa, Abby, Thomas, Melvin, Miller, Linda, Angel, Sophia, Tamessia, The Entire Wilson Family, The Valley Family, The Ladies of Divas & Diamonds, The Hines & Jesse Brown V.A. Family, and A Host of other Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Relatives and Friends.