Ms. Rose Pearl Fairley Johnson, 73 , was born July 23, 1946, in Gulfport, Mississippi. She touched the lives of many and gave unselfishly until her departure, Thursday, April 16, 2020.

Rose was a lifelong resident of Gulfport, Mississippi. She was a member of Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Gulfport, where she served faithfully. Ms. Johnson was employed by the Mississippi State Highway Patrol, where she worked as a Communications Officer for 21 years, until her retirement. South Mississippi Gulf Coast was the place that Ms. Johnson called home. She loved her community and the people who lived in it. She embodied the importance of service and sustainability, as she knew that her community was only as good as those who lived in it.

Ms. Johnson was a grassroots community activist and organizer. She honored the power of people and she gave of her tenth and talent to her community and those who were disenfranchised. Her advocacy work for environmental justice and the equality of all people knew no boundaries. This is the making of an honorable and just citizen. Ms. Johnson's love and commitment to her community and those around her lead her to found and organize the North Gulfport Community Land Trust, an organization who's mission is to provide permanently affordable housing and community preservation. Additionally, Rose was a member of the NAACP and the Sierra Club, where she chaired the state organization for several years.

Those who knew Rose knew that public applause, pomp and circumstance, and acknowledgments were not a goal for her. Her work and community involvement was just that, HER WORK. In this life, if you are lucky, you will cross paths with individuals who will touch you in the most amazing ways, without uttering a single word, or offering the flashiest gifts, but simply by their works. The family of Ms. Johnson considers themselves blessed beyond measure for the opportunity to share time and space with such a special lady. So it is in the words of Ms. Johnson,
"Let the works I've done, speak for me."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. B.L. "Bill" Fairley and Mrs. Willie Mae Lang Fairley and two brothers, Claude Small and Wayne Fairley.

Ms. Johnson leaves to cherish her life and memories her loving children, Darius "Dan" Johnson, Sr.- Gulfport, Mississippi, Harvey (Tysheia) Johnson- Miramar, Florida, Christopher Johnson- Gulfport, Mississippi, Charonda Fairley (Renarder) Gary- Gulfport, Mississippi; two brothers, Donald Fairley- Gulfport, Mississippi, Williams "Dub" Fairley, San Francisco, California; 16 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and a large extended family that includes aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.