Melba M. Johnson

Melba M. Johnson, 92 of Maplewood passed away on July 27, 2024.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Melba at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Thursday August 1 from 11:30am to 12 noon, with a funeral service being celebrated in the funeral home at 12 noon. Cremation will be held privately.

Melba was born in Washington, D.C. on September 1, 1931. She later earned her Bachelors Degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

A dedicated pharmacist, Melba worked well in to her 80s, having spent most of her time with Medicine Shoppe in Burlington until her retirement in 2015. In her spare time she could often be found tending to her garden, or cooking. She had a particular enjoyment of baking fresh Christmas cookies every year for her loved ones. Melba enjoyed reading different literature works, and would never turn down the opportunity to discuss or passionately debate politics. A highly educated woman, she was known to always remain caught up on current events and the latest developments in her community or across the globe.

Melba was predeceased by her husband Richard Johnson, as well as her son Richard "Gino" Johnson, and her siblings Glenda McNeill, Jeanne Taylor, Florence McNeill, and Lloyd McNeill.

She is survived by her loving son Drew Johnson and his wife Karlene Williams, her daughter Kimberly "Casey" Gilliam and her husband Persel and her son-in-law Luis Rivera; and by her brother Albert McNeill and his wife Emma. Melba is the adoring grandmother of Yared and Binor, and is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association by using the below link.

A Zoom stream will be available to view for the services. Meeting ID: 997 533 3817 Password:2800