It is with profound sadness that we announce the homegoing of our beloved mother Toni Johnson, who peacefully departed this life on February 18, 2026 at home. Born March 16,1943 in Tallulah, Louisiana to Noble and Alice Henderson who preceded her in death.   Toni moved to Compton, CA the home in which she lived since 6 years old and God allowed her to transition from that home to her heavenly home with her daughter Nichelle and son in law Milo Meeks by her side.  Toni lived a blessed life.  She had countless friends and family.  There wasn’t a stranger she didn’t meet and become friends.  She was a pillar of her community.  Our city of Compton, Grape Avenue  block club and Douglas Dollarhide community center as well as neighbors knew of her good deeds near and far.  She left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.  

Toni received Christ as her Lord and Savior at Saint Reed Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles.  As a young woman, she became a parishioner of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church where her three children got confirmed.  Toni was extremely active in the parish and even met Bishop Desmond Tutu in 1984 there.  During her last years she was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Compton where she worshipped and fellowshipped with many founding families of the church on Sundays.

Toni was a wife and an at home mother for many years and then entered the workforce after her divorce as a Collection Service Representative for Pacific Bell Telephone Company.  She retired early at 50 years old and enjoyed 32 years of retirement - traveling and being with family and friends.

Her service those 32 years of retirement include accolades at the Foundation of the Junior Blind (employee), National Council of Negro Women (member), 12 Play Card Club (member), patron and donor to California African American Museum, Hanna Boys Center, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Wings of Refuge as well as countless other community services.  

Toni became an entrepreneur in her early retirement opening Children of the Ark Child Care Center.  She also became a refuge of many in the community renting rooms and making lifelong friends.  She even ran a neighborhood candy store from her living room where kids would buy treats.

Her strength, love, and will to live so long was attributed to her tenacity and stalwart dedication to family. She is survived by three children, Danielle Strader, Chance Johnson, and Nichelle Meeks, as well as 12 grandchildren, and 2 great children as well as many kids that called her Auntie. She has a host of nieces and nephews and two sisters Janet A. Sloan and Gayle Johnson. She’s also preceded in death by her grandmother Betty Kimble, her siblings Maxine Kemp, Gladys Free, Cleveland Henderson,  Arlester Clemons, Darlene Young and grandson Milo Meeks, Jr. 

Toni’s  legacy will continue to live on through her family and the memories that they hold.  

Toni was loved by all who knew her. The family is grateful for the love and support they have received during this challenging time. 

Toni would always end her conversations to her daughter remembering her Episcopal liturgy days, “May the Peace of the Lord be always with you, and her daughter would respond, “And also with you”.  Toni sends that closing to this obituary and her life and times…

“May the peace of the Lord be always with you,”

Rest in Heaven, Toni

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