"Death is a joyful messenger of peace whose kind hands open to the weary, pilgrim the gates of immortality, and the oppressed go free."

Ms. Theresa Anastasia Johnson, 86, of Gulfport, Mississippi was born Wednesday December 13, 1933. She departed this earthly life Wednesday, March 4, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

Ms. Johnson was a recent resident of Gulfport having relocated from Jackson Mississippi. During her earlier adult life, she worked as a nurse attending a caring for others until her retirement. She was an avid reader and could be found at times lost in the adventure of any given book. Ms. Johnson love to sit in the quietness of time knitting and/or crocheting. Another past time of Ms. Johnson's was watching Sci-Fi movies. Some would say that she was an eclectic as she found joy and pleasure in a variety of things. Ms. Johnson loved animals and this love for animals was were passed down to her children. Ms. Johnson was a loving, strong, and determined lady who possessed the ability to take whatever life handed her and make the best of it. One of her favorite quotes was:

"The broken dreams, the shattered hopes, the loves that did not last, The ruins of a lifetime shine from her looking glass, and she remembers how it was when life and love were new, and sighs because, through all of it, her heart was ever true ."

These words capture the essence of who Ms. Johnson was. She did not let the experiences of life determine the quality of life that she choose to live. She remained true to her heart until the end. Ms. Johnson's family will miss her dearly, but they find peace and choose to cling to the example that she set for them.

She is preceded in death by two sons, Anthony Mason and Michael Mason.

She leaves her love and memories to a son, Fredrick Mason (Rose)- Jackson, MS; three daughters, Diane Mason- Great Falls, MT, Victoria (Bryan) Simpson- Antioch, TN, Marcella Mason- Gulfport, MS, one brother, 3 sisters, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren other relatives and lifelong friends.