Johnnie Mae Robinson Ford (Lansing)

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Robinson Ford (Mama Johnnie) passed away Friday, October 8, 2021, at Medilodge of Okemos in Okemos, Michigan at the age of 86 years old. She was born May 17, 1935, in Sparks, Georgia, the firstborn of John and Annie Liza Massey.

Johnnie Mae graduated from Matthew W. Gilbert High School in Jacksonville, Florida and later Bee Dew School of Cosmetology where she became a licensed beautician and instructor of cosmetology. Not long after, she married Mason L. Robinson, and from that union were born two sons, Ricky and Gary Robinson. In marriage to her second husband Warren Ford, she became the stepmother to Delphine, Warren Jr., and nine other siblings.

Johnnie Mae accepted Christ at an early age in Jacksonville, Florida, and later moved to Detroit, Michigan where she attended Mount Vernor Baptist Church with her mother. After moving to Lansing, Michigan, she joined Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Charles J. Patterson and remained under current pastor, Reverend Dr. Melvin T. Jones, where she was a choir member at one time and worked with the mothers of the church. She gained employment at Baryames Cleaners. Johnnie Mae opened up her own beauty shop while also working at General Motors, Oldsmobile Division, where she retired after 24 years. Johnnie Mae loved people, cooking, playing bingo, and the lottery. Her most precious love was the love she shared with her family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Ricky (Julie) Robinson, Gary (Jeanette) Robinson, Warren (Lillie) Ford Walls Jr., Delphine (Darrick) Thomas all of Lansing, Michigan; sister, Willie Mae Ruffin of Detroit, Michigan; goddaughter, Salina Quarterman of Atlanta, Georgia; 13 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends including three special friends, CeeCee, Helen, and Jessie Mae.

Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by parents; brother, John Massey, Jr.; goddaughter, Mary Quarterman; and second husband, Warren Ford.