Family and friends joined at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at Old Hickory Boulevard for a morning brunch to celebrate the birthday of Dorothy Jean Miller Johnson on July 14.
Johnson had family travel to celebrate ‘My Journey Through Life, a Memoir by D.J.M.J.’ Using a biblical theme from Proverbs 9:11, “For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life,” guests were treated to a delicious brunch provided by Donna Shaw Catering. Following the meal, Kerry and Tawanda Johnson served as the masters of ceremonies as it kicked off with a solo by Lucy Johnson following many reflections.
Dorothy currently participates in several organizations including The Red Hat Society; grad chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; the national sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.; and several others.
“Sometimes I wonder how I have time for so many activities,” she said. “Recently, I have decided that it is time to take time out to smell the roses.”
As a result, she began to develop this semi-autobiography for the celebration.
“I wrote my memoir because I want my children, grandchild, family, and friends to know more about my life story,” Dorothy said. “My children are blessings to me and exhibit many positive attributes of my parents.”
Dorothy was born to the late Ernest Lee Miller, Sr. and Carlotta Romeo Mills Miller. She grew up in Nashville with her family, including her oldest brother, Ernest Lee, Jr. (deceased in 1962); Charles James (deceased in 2017); sister Lois Ardell Crutcher Miller (deceased in 1984); and brother Thomas Lewis (deceased in 2014).
Following her studies, she became an educator. She worked at several schools with her first assignment being in Waverly, Tenn.
Later she returned to Nashville where she worked at Grace M. Eaton Day Home as a kindergarten teacher, and then Bellshire Elementary School. She then attended and received a master’s degree at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn. while working at Napier.
The Gospel Brunch Celebration of Dorothy’s life provided reflections from friends, elders, family, children, and grandchildren. Concluding the program, Mrs. Dorothy Jean Miller Johnson thanked everyone for being a part of her life and sharing in her celebration.
