Lelia Victoria Gadsden Johnson was born to the late Luther and Louisa Prioleau Gadsden on September 14, 1935 in Russellville, South Carolina. She was one of nine children. Three sisters and a brother preceded her in death.

Lelia began her education in the public schools of Berkeley County, but graduated from Dickerson High School in Jersey City, New Jersey.

She attended and was confirmed, at an early age at Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church in Pineville, South Carolina. She was married to the late Bearthur Johnson, Sr. This union was blessed with six children. Both daughters, Miriam and Diane preceded her in death.

Lelia, affectionately known as Helen, was a faithful and hard-working member of Cotton Temple Holiness Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. There she served as an usher. That same Christian ethic was shown when she moved back to South Carolina and rejoined Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church where she served on the Missionary Board, the Kitchen, and the Pastor's Anniversary Committee.

While living in New Jersey she did clerical work at Courier Systems until she retired and relocated to South Carolina. Helen continued her career as an entrepreneur by opening a clothing store, along with her sister as partner in St. Stephen.

Lelia was honest and straight forward and you did not have to wonder how she felt about a subject – she would let you know. Family was important to her and for years she worked on the Gadsden Family Reunion Committee. She loved her family and she loved the Lord.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, neighbor and friend. She had a very positive impact on everyone she met during her life's journey.

She departed this life on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Cherishing the memories of Lelia's beautiful life are: Bearthur Johnson, Jr. (Kim), Jersey City, New Jersey, Andrew Johnson, St. Stephen, South Carolina, Ronald Washington (Diane), Aiken, South Carolina and Arthur Washington (Lucille), St. Stephen, South Carolina; sisters: Queen Mobley, Lutha Johnson (Ollie) and Julia Brunson all of St. Stephen, South Carolina; brother: Curtis Gadsden (Marsha), Rockwall, Texas; brother-in-law Nelson Murray, St. Stephen, South Carolina; eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and acquaintances.

The family wishes to offer a special thank you to Transition Hospice for their services and for the devotion of the caregivers – Elizabeth Boone, Sadie Jenkins, Ruth Lampkin, Bernice Milligan, and Mary Rock.