Lessie Ree Johnson Close

June 30, 2017

The Late Deaconess Lessie Ree Johnson Close was born to the late Mark “Sid” Johnson and Rossie Robinson Johnson on January 14, 1950, in Decatur County, Georgia. She attended the public school system of Decatur County, graduating Hutto High School in the Class of 1968. Lessie later married her high school sweetheart, Jimmy L. Close Sr., and to this union four beautiful children were born.

At an early age, Lessie accepted Christ as her personal saviour and became a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church. She was a faithful member, working diligently in various capacities. At the time of her demise, she was a Deaconess, President of the Julia Mae Smiley Religious Women in Action, Member of the Pastor’s Aide and Program Committees, and Church Custodian. Although she held membership at Union, Lessie was very active at her husband and children’s membership church, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, as well, where she served on the Pink Ladies Auxiliary. Lessie loved to decorate, and she showcased this talent both at Union and Pilgrim Rest.

In addition to her religious affiliations, Lessie held membership in civic organizations. She was an active member of the Pride of Bainbridge Chapter #479 Order of Eastern Star and the Decatur County Historical Society, as well as the Treasurer of the Decatur County Outreach Mission.

Deaconess Lessie Close drew her last breath on earth on Friday, June 30, 2017, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousin, friend, and all-around wonderful human being, Lessie will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her father “Sid” and two siblings, Kenneth Johnson and Loraine Gordon.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Jimmy L. Close Sr.; four loving children: Jimmy L. Close Jr. (Elizabeth), Xavier Close (Shelita), Natasha Stepney (David), and Kregg Close (LaShawn); six grandchildren: Jordyn Close, Jasmine Close, Zaniyah Close, Davonte Stepney, LaQuishia Close, and Keoina Close; three great grandchildren: La’Reina Wilson, Tristan Parks, and Logan Bouie; her mother, Rossie Johnson; seven siblings: Henry Johnson (Peggy), Isadore Johnson (Joyce), Linda Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Brenda Johnson, Ellis Johnson, and Lucille Johnson; two special friends, Irene Lively and Louise Close; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Flower Bearers: Pride of Bainbridge Chapter #479 Order of Eastern Star and Hutto High School Class of 1968

Pallbearers: Robert Howard, Jason Jeffery, Ferris Lewis III, Jawarn Lewis, Rod Moten

We, the family of Lessie Close, are truly grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support for our family during this time of loss. The many expressions of sympathy and kind gestures have helped remind us that earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Your kindnesses will always be remembered. It is our sincere prayer that GOD will shower HIS any blessings upon each of you.

Guyton Brothers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangments.