Beatrice Gordon Johnson was born March 21, 1929 in Farmville, Virginia to Herman and Tempie Branch. Her parents lived with her maternal grandmother and grandfather John and Lillie Brown. Soon after her birth, her parents went "North" as many Black people did back in the day in order to find employment. Beatrice had one brother John whom she adored from her birth to his death. The two children were inseparable and lived happy and care-free. The grandparents doted on them, especially Beatrice.

John Brown was a giant of a man who could outwork a horse. With his four strapping sons, he farmed to raise the food needed by the family and ran two businesses. He never wanted his sons to work for anyone in the segregated south, because he believed they would be abused. John Brown required everyone in the household to go to church every Sunday. Lilly Brown was a mother of seven and a school teacher. She was very outspoken and independent. She drove her own horse and buggy 20 miles each way each day to her job. She and John were a formidable couple, working together to take care of the family and start acquiring money and property. Love of the Lord, hard work and education were the core family values with which Beatrice grew up.

Beatrice was a bright, beautiful, and precocious child. She loved school and did very well in math and science to the delight of her elders. John and Lilly started planning for her to go to college before she was out of elementary school. Beatrice really loved her high school years. She was voted "Best Dressed," and she was a star majorette. At 16, she graduated from historic Robert Moten High School.

So off to A & T State College in Greensboro, North Carolina Beatrice went in 1944. She pursued elementary education like her grandmother had many years before. She found she just adored little children and did so for her entire life. Three other important events took place for her at A & T. She met her life-long friend Lerlean Taylor. She pledged Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. She fell in love with a dashing G. I. from Lynchburg named, James Gordon, Jr.

Upon graduation, Beatrice and James married and to that union one child was born, Myra. James used his business minor and trade diploma to open several small businesses in Lynchburg, most notably a shoe shop on 12th Street. Beatrice stayed home with Myra, until Myra was able to go to Bethune Nursery School. Then, Beatrice started her teaching career in a one-room school in Amherst County. In a teaching career that spanned roughly 35 years, Beatrice became a master teacher and mentor to new teachers. A voracious reader and life-long learner, Beatrice earned two Masters degrees, one from the University of Virginia in Special Education, and a second one, from James Madison University in Library Sciences.

Beatrice lived her entire adult life in Lynchburg. She became a member of Diamond Hill Baptist church almost as soon as she arrived. She especially enjoyed the Women's Usher Board and helping to create the Diamond Hill Quilt. She and her daughter donated the Gordon Lectern that sits outside the church sanctuary.

Beatrice was very engaged in a vibrant social life. She was part of several organizations such as the M & M's, the Glossillas, and the Sorrell Social Club. She loved dressing up for dances and playing cards of all kinds. At various points, she was active in her Sorority, the Eastern Stars, and Meals on Wheels. She loved to travel, and she loved to drive.

In the years following retirement, Beatrice continued to enjoy a high quality life, especially with her brother, her daughter, her son-in-law Anthony, her only grandson, Bomani, other family, and friends old and new.

Beatrice peacefully departed this life on Friday, February 4, 2022 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. Besides her daughter and her family, she is survived by a sister-in-law in Roselle, Reverend Dr. Essie Branch; a sister-in-law in Washington, D. C., Lillie Mae Gordon Harris; a sister-in-law in Yonkers, Nan Gordon; cousins in Columbus Sandra Long, Dr. Resa Long, Joey Long, and Jamie Long; a God-daughter Denise Taylor and her family; many nieces and nephews; and a host of people on both sides of the Atlantic.

Beatrice had a very beautiful way with people. She leaves a legacy of love and Black Excellence to all who encountered her.

A homegoing celebration will be will 11AM Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Historic Diamond Hill Baptist Church. She will be on view hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Forest Hill Burial Park.