Hona L. Thornton Johnson, the daughter of the late, James and Lena Thornton, was born in the City of Durham, North Carolina, on August 22, 1928.  Hona departed this life on January 3, 2024.  She was educated in the Durham Public School System.  Hona moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1951, and she has made Boston her home, for the past 72 years.

Hona met James E. Johnson, and they were married in 1975.  They were devoted to each other.  They did everything together. They both served on the Diaconate Ministry of Peoples Baptist Church of Boston.  James, a Deacon, and Hona, a Deaconess, until James' passing on August 16, 2022.

While living in Boston, MA, Hona enrolled in the La Newton Beauty School. She completed her course of study, she did not pursue that career as her life's work.  While working in one of the industries in Boston, Hona realized that she would love working with children.  She enrolled in a Head-Start Program at Wheelock College, and earned a Certificate, that qualified her as a Head Start Assistant Teacher.  She enjoyed working at a Head-Start School for many years, prior to her retirement.

Mrs. Johnson was recognized by the City of Boston's, Age Strong Commission for her dedication to the Historic Goldenaires Freedom House. (formerly Roxbury Goldenaires).  The recognition thanked her for her efforts made with the City of Boston's African American Community and Community at-large; as a member of the Roxbury Goldenaires.

Mrs. Johnson was a Faithful member of Peoples Baptist Church of Boston.  She enjoyed the worship service, and the people there.  She was proud of being a Deaconess and participating in various ministries of the church.  Mrs. Johnson was friendly to every person she met and was a people-lover.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death, by her wonderful husband, James E. Johnson, Step-daughter Johnetta Allison, several of her siblings and relatives.  Some of her survivors are, Son, and Daughter-in-Law, Arnold C. Johnson, and Carolyn A. Johnson, of Randolph, Massachusetts; Sister's Flora Thornton Williams and Carrie Thornton Williams of, Durham, North Carolina; Deloris Thornton Rowland and Fadeine Thornton Price of Silver Spring, Maryland; Oglatha Thornton Smith, of Hyattsville, Maryland; and brothers Leamon Thornton of Hyattsville, Maryland; and Herbert Thornton of Manhattan, New York.  Mrs. Johnson is also survived by a host of Nieces and Great Nieces, throughout the US.