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Lovida Marie Jones Johnson
A retired educator. Born November 12, 1941, to the late Bennie F. Jones Sr. and the late Alfroncine Louper Jones. At an early age, Lovida attended Marie C. Couvent Elementary School, Rivers Frederick School, and Andrew J. Bell Jr. High School and graduated from Joseph S. Clark Sr. High School in May of 1959. Lovida then started her college career in 1959 at the prestigious Xavier University of Louisiana, where she graduated with a B.A. Degree in Education in 1963.
After graduation, Lovida began her teaching career at McDonough #36, where she taught 2nd grade and on a platoon system, which she was not a fan of because she had the afternoon shift from 12 pm – 5 pm. She was later transferred to Ricard Elementary School as a 1st-grade teacher for 2 years. Finally, she was transferred to Phyllis Wheatley Elementary as a 2nd-grade teacher, where she was the ranking teacher for 2 years and moderator of her beloved “Pom Pom Girls”. In 1986, Lovida retired for the first time, but her love of teaching and children prompted her to return to the classroom once again when her youngest child went off to college. She began teaching again this time at Ray Abram’s Elementary as a 1st grade teacher, where once again she became the ranking teacher and was the 2000-2001 “Teacher of the Year”. Finally, after 32 years of teaching, Lovida retired for a second time in 2005 because of Hurricane Katrina.
On November 23, 1968, Lovida married the love of her life, the late Edward Johnson Sr.
whom she met while they were both teaching at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, for
whom she was married to for 50 wonderful years until his passing. Of that union came
three children. Lovida was also blessed with seven grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly and adored.
Lovida was no stranger to many different hobbies and talents. In her early years, Lovida
joined a bowling league where she was the recording secretary for her team. She and her
the team competed in numerous tournaments, winning some cash prizes and awards. Lovida was no stranger to a needle, some thread, and a sewing machine. From an early age, Lovida’s love of sewing prompted her to make many beautiful garments not only for herself but also for family, friends, and her daughter. For over twenty years, she was the seamstress for The Kelly School of Dance. For several years, she sewed the costumes for Zulu’s Mr. Big Stuff Krewe and even made a few tailored suits for the 2009 King Zulu. Many of the beautiful gowns or outfits that you may have seen her daughter wearing were all beautifully made with love by Lovida. Lovida’s talent did not just stop there, she also had a ceramics class that she taught on Wednesday nights at her home.
Everyone who knew and loved Lovida knew that Mardi Gras was her favorite time of the
year. It was so much of a favorite that she would begin buying her carnival throws two
weeks after Mardi Gras ended for the next float ride. For well over 20 years she participated in Mardi Gras as a float rider, riding in the truck parades for several years, The Krewe of Zulu for over 20 years, Nyx, and finally becoming a Charter Member with the Mystical Order Of The Phoenix/ Spartan Society with her Glitterali float sisters to whom she became known as “Momma Lovida”. Her motto always was “As Long As I Can Do It I’m Going To Do It” and that she did!
Finally, on the night of March 20, 2025, Lovida entered into eternal rest peacefully in her
sleep at home surrounded by her daughter and her beloved "grand puppy" as she would call him “Saint”. Lovida leaves behind to cherish her memories children Lakisha Johnson,
Edward Johnson Jr. (Bessie), Eldred Johnson. 7 Grandchildren Dontaevion, Ethan, Joshua, Ean, Eldred Jr., Jordyn, Jonathan. Her devoted nieces Delaine Jones, Crystal Alexander (George), Shayna Johnson, Yolanda Wade, Dana Baker, Patricia, Pamela, Bernice, Christine, Belinda, Debra, Bernetta, Victoria and Vhanessa Hanzy. Juliette Hanzy Malmsted and Joanice Hanzy Bleston. Nephews Dwight and Todd Hanzy, Percy Brannon. Uncle John A. Jones Jr. Sisters-in-law Anna Brannon, Anita Hanzy, and Gloria Hanzy. Spiritually adopted children, Dr. Enrique and Natasha Jackson. A host of other relatives and friends. Lovida is preceded in death by her husband Edward F. Johnson Sr. Parents Bennie F. Jones Sr. and Alfroncine Louper Jones, brother Bennie F Jones Jr., Uncle Morris Alexander, Nephews, Bennie Jones III, Bryan Jones, father and mother-in-law Rev. Sherifield and Olevia Johnson, Brothers -in -law Peter, James, John Hanzy, Sisters – in – law Dimple Mae Hanzy and Marion Johnson Watson.
Arrangements handled by:
Charbonnet- Labat- Glapion Funeral Home
1625 St. Phillip St
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