Jelene Johnson

Jelene Johnson, also known as “Cake” to her closest friends and loved ones, was the daughter of the late Percy L. James, Sr., and Olevia T. Baines-James. Jelene was born on March 31, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on October 18, 2023, at the University of Maryland Medical Center, surrounded by her children and loved ones.

She received her education within Queen Anne’s County public school systems. From there, she took on a career as a caregiver, working in several nursing homes, hospitals, and domestic care settings. She finally graced the family business, at Senior Surround Care Assisted Living in Federalsburg, Maryland.

As a young woman, she followed her parents on a spiritual journey to attend Price Apostolic Church where Bishop James K. Sidney was pastor. Later, she was baptized under the leadership of Bishop Causton N. Green (Lady Rose Green) of the same Church, and she cherished her church family until the end.

Jelene (Cake), enjoyed spending time with her daughter, son and grandchildren, Cooking, cleaning, shopping, dressing and grooming, growing plants and eating crabs. To describe her, she was a very creative and stylish mommom who stayed true to her honey blond hair dye and sang Shirley Caeser and Candy Staton whenever she felt like belting out in song!

Jelene was preceded in death by her parents, Percy L.James, Sr., and Olevia Baines-James; five brothers, Earl James, Philip James, Percy James, Maurice James, and Emmanuel James;
and two sisters, Brenda James and Shirley James.

Jelene is survived by: her daughter Lywanda Johnson of Federalsburg, Maryland; son, Delmontro Johnson (Dawn) of Ridgely, Maryland; goddaughter, Shanay Clark;
grandchildren, Leshane Watkins, Dontraye Batson, Marcus Johnson, Dezmond Johnson, Darrion Johnson, Dakari Johnson, James Worthey, Davyone Johnson, Dejuan, Johnson, and Divine Johnson; sister, Barbara Smallwood (John) of Henderson, Maryland; and brother, Hilton James of Greensboro, Maryland; three sister-in-laws, Marina James of Chestertown, Carmen James of Sandtown, Delaware and Doris James of Hurlock, Maryland; and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as cousins, extended family and friends whom all she loved dearly.

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