To view the funeral on Friday May 29, 2020, 10:00am EST, please follow this link:

http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/29935

Charlotte Leigh (Avery) Johnson, 72, departed this life in the early morning on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. She was born in Norfolk, VA on July 17, 1947 to the late Samuel and Charlotte O. Avery. Charlotte was predeceased by her elder siblings: a brother, Samuel Orlando Avery IV, and a sister, Dr. Sherin Ann Shearin.

Charlotte attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1965. She subsequently pursued and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA in 1970.

Mrs. Johnson retired from Norfolk State University in February 2014, after more than 30 years of service in The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. During her tenure, she served as both the Admission's Secretary and the Executive Secretary to the Dean of Social Work.

During her high school years, Charlotte was a member of Tau Beta Sigma, the Medical Club, and Modern Dance. As an adult, Charlotte was an active and faithful member of Les Superbes Civic Club for several years and she would occasionally fellowship with them during special events. She later attended the Parker Center Exercise group and joined "Between the Pages" Book Club, the Portsmouth Sassy Snappers of the Red Hat Society, Survivors Club, INC., and the Booker T. Washington High School Class of '65 Reunion Planning Committee.

Our Charlotte was a gracious, beautiful, and stylish woman who possessed superior administrative and communicative skills. Her patient, even-tempered, jovial personality endeared her to all who knew her. Above all else, Charlotte was known for her lovely, engaging smile that she so generously shared with everyone.

Her love and concern for her family was immeasurable. She shared a Mother/Daughter bond with Keisha that was undeniable.

She was a strong advocate for NSU Social Work students and always offered a listening ear and words of comfort and encouragement. Yes, she went above and beyond for them and they were all loving recipients of her famous terms of endearment to the younger generation: "Precious" and "Pumpkin".

Charlotte was married to the late Willie Lee "Pee Wee" Johnson for 42 years, and is survived by their loving and devoted daughter, Keisha Johnson Ceasar (Clinton), step daughter, Willye D. "Wendy" Johnson, a grandson, Jabari A. Brown, a step grandson, Clinton "CJ" Ceasar, two nieces, Angela M. Shearin and Nia K. Avery; two nephews, Dr. Anthony M. Shearin and Damani Avery; and a host of dear relatives and friends.

Sorrow is not forever. Love is.