Minnie Louise Johnson Vaden

Minnie Louise was born to Tom C. & Annie Mae Scott on March 19, 1939, in Hattiesburg, MS. As a young girl, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA with her parents and younger sisters, Marlena & Isther. She was led to the Lord by her namesake maternal grandmother, Minnie Griffin, and attended Victory Baptist Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and she trusted in the Lord with all of her heart all the days here on earth. Minnie displayed musical talent early, and began taking piano lessons from church members. She also studied at Gray's Conservatory where she was a classically trained pianist. Her instructor wished to take her on tour, however, her father denied this request, believing that Minnie’s talents could best be served in the church. She played for many years at Victory Baptist Church under the direction of Samuel Span. In subsequent years she played for many other congregations including Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church led by the late Reverend William Lott, Sweet Union Missionary Baptist church under the direction of the late Reverend Mac C. Mitchell and Bethlehem Holy Ghost Temple led by the late Pastor Betty Houston. In addition to playing the piano, Minnie also taught Sunday School & was actively involved in the Joy Ministries at Victory Baptist Church. This wonderful women’s ministry was an integral part of her life and she spearheaded many activities during their annual retreats. As a beautiful young woman, Minnie married James Fletcher, and their union was blessed with the birth of her son, Patrick Lawrence. Although their marriage ended, they remained lifelong friends. She later married Richard Johnson, and together they welcomed her daughter, Kathleen Rene. When that marriage ended Minnie used her excellent accounting and shorthand skills to obtain a career working for Los Angeles County. She worked for over 35 years for Los Angeles County, primarily in the District Attorney’s Office, Appellate Division. She rose to the rank of Head Secretary of the division, supervising several other secretaries. As a single mother, Minnie was one of the first black women to purchase her own home without needing the addition of a male cosigner. She served as the Secretary of her Neighborhood Watch, ensuring that her neighbors and herself lived in safety. She was beloved by the neighborhood children, with many of them looking upon her as their second mother. She graciously shared her love of music, teaching countless children how to play the piano. During her illustrious career, Minnie took coursework and eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in 1995. When she retired from L.A. County, she parlayed her degree into a second career teaching 3rd grade at a local elementary school. She also taught adult literacy courses, which she found very rewarding. She met and married Earnest Vaden in 1999, becoming step-mom to Terry. She remained a faithful, and loving wife until his death in 2022. Minnie loved her family dearly, making sure each member knew that she loved and supported them. She is survived by her sister Marlena Johnson (Michael Johnson), brother-in-law, Thomas Harang, children Patrick Johnson (Frances Rodriguez), Kathy Purviance-Snow (Keith Snow), & Terry Vaden; her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly Brian Purviance (Stephanie Fox), Elizabeth

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