- Date Of Birth: December 19, 1967
- Date Of Death: October 26, 2018
- State: Alabama
On Friday, October 26, 2018, God looked around His garden and saw an empty place; He looked down upon the Earth and saw your smiling face. He had a special assignment, a purpose, that only you could fulfill; He whispered softly “My daughter, come with me”, and you obeyed the Master’s will.
Minister Sharon Denise Johnson Spence bloomed on this earth on December 19, 1967 in her hometown of Chatom, AL to the parentage of Perry Johnson, Jr. and Clara Creighton Johnson. She was educated in the local school system and was a 1985 honors graduate of Washington County High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, basketball team and color-guard captain. Her spiritual roots began at her home church, Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an active and dedicated member serving in Sunday School, youth, usher and music ministries. She discovered a greater passion for the music ministry and served as musician for various churches in the surrounding areas of Alabama and Mississippi.
Sharon had a passion for knowledge and furthered her education at Alabama A & M, Livingston (UWA) and Auburn University, receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She was selfless in her quest for knowledge and positioned herself to assist others in obtaining higher education. Her educational career spanned over 20+ years as she served Auburn University through the Washington County Extension Office where she was the Executive Administrator. During this tenure, Sharon received numerous honors and recognition for her exemplary performance and outstanding leadership of various committees and projects. Sharon took a leap of faith and continued her career path at Shelton State, Tuscaloosa, AL as the Nursing Registrar Administrator. Her passion and presence nurtured and guided the career paths for many, and she was humbled and overjoyed to see the fruits of her labor. As divine destiny unfolded, Sharon made full circle and returned to her Alma Mater, Auburn University, where she served as Executive Administrative Coordinator to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. In this capacity, Sharon continued to blossom and again launched into a broader scope of education, mentoring and guiding the affairs of foreign and international students, Diversity & Inclusion officer and was granted the approval to teach weekly campus Bible study with her colleagues. She impacted many lives with her main purpose and focus to encourage and empower each individual to be their best self, through Christ!
Minister Sharon’s spiritual journey was unacclaimed and unapologetically profound. Upon receiving her call to proclaim the Gospel, she encountered many tests and trials that prepared the way for “greater works”. She was licensed on February 13, 2011 at Knight’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Millry, AL, where she also served as musician, Sunday School teacher, and youth counselor. Upon relocation to Tuscaloosa, she united with New Harvest Church of God where God enlarged her territory to evangelize and preach for numerous conferences and services. Following God’s plan, her final path to Auburn led her to True Deliverance Holiness Church where she served as an associate minister and youth mentor. Minister Sharon’s charismatic and ‘matter of fact’ delivery would reach the depths of your soul and ignite a spark that would encourage you to press toward the mark of the higher calling in Christ Jesus! Minister Sharon positively utilized the social media platform to continue to spread the gospel, serving as a radio broadcast host and guest minister. She also recently launched PEARLS (Purposeful Edifying Anointed Restored Loving Sisters) conference call ministry to encourage others in their daily walk with Christ. Her zeal and commitment to the call of Christ was unparalleled. She allowed the light of Christ to shine through her so that others would see the good works BUT glorify the Father in Heaven. She had just completed her first book and was scheduled for publication within a few weeks; however, the question in the title is so prevalent today… WHY? No, not a question for God, but for each individual, WHY? meaning Who’s Holding You? She knew whose hands she rested in and lived each day to encourage others to have that same assurance. She received many awards and recognition on this side; however, none can compare to the Glory that has been revealed to her now as she has received her ETERNAL REWARD. She is now rejoicing with Christ her Savior and reuniting with her sister, Anitrice Lenora Johnson-Abston.
Her legacy will continue to live through her loving and caring children: daughter, Kishna L. James of Snellville, GA; sons, Scottie L. McBride, Tuscaloosa, AL; Jared T. McBride, Troy, AL; her grandchildren, Bryson J. Norwood, Wagarville, AL and Calix A. & Mahailah K. Martin, Snellville, GA. Precious memories will continue to be shared by her loving and devoted parents: Perry and Clara Johnson, of Chatom, AL; special nephew and niece, Keyshaun P. Abston of Miami, FL and Kyra M. Abston of Livingston, AL; great-nephew, Kaison L. Abston; a devoted friend, Deacon Jeffrey Reeves, and host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other close relatives and friends.
