"Her heart was too big to be just my mom" … Brandon Johnson
Indeed Daphne had a big heart and a big reach. She belonged to all of us, her family, church, sorority, and her community. She was known for her trustworthiness, honesty and loyalty.

Daphne Holmes Johnson was born April 17, 1956 in Macon GA, where she grew up and graduated from Central High School -1974. She then matriculated at Knoxville College in Tennessee and graduated in 1978. This is where she met her husband of 44 years, Brian Johnson. Brian says of the love of his life "no matter the challenges, we were committed to each other and knew that we loved each other. "
Daphne was forward thinking. Daphne Worked for Piedmont Airline/ US Air in air traffic control/reservations. Due to health challenges, Daphne left employment early on in her career and created the lifestyle that better suited her and her family. She worked the Gig Economy before it was called such.

She created employment for herself in events planning, non- profit support and development, where she sought out business in her community and helped to facilitate development of Black businesses and organizations. This afforded Daphne control of her time to devote to her needs and her beloved Brandon. She once said, "one of my greatest accomplishments was creating the space for me to properly educate my son". Brian, Daphne, and Brandon became a familiar trio in our community, state, and nation.
Daphne was preceded in death her father, Rev. Joseph Holmes, Sr.; her mother, Juanita Holmes; and sister, Trudy Williamson formerly of GA.

Left to mourn her are her husband, Brian Keith Johnson and son, Brandon Scott Johnson; brothers, Paul Moore and Joseph Holmes, Jr. both of GA; sisters, Carita (Van) Tarmoh of South Bend, IN, Karen Holmes of GA, and Valda Holmes of South Bend, IN; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Servant for Social Justice:
She was a soldier for Social Justice. Daphne Holmes-Johnson was born into a long-line of faithful NAACP family members. That birth right led her to be an active lifetime NAACP member where she held a range of roles throughout the North Carolina State Conference. Her array of talents were on display throughout her tenure as the project manager for the highest attended state conferences in the NC NAACP state conference history. Daphne was the "go-to" person for leaders such as Dr. Barber, Dr. Spearman, and the Executive Committee. Daphne was a member of the state Executive Committee, where her leadership on bylaws, finance, and event planning was of tremendous value to the health of the entire state conference. She most recently held the role of treasurer for the state conference. She leaves a legacy of integrity, trust, and courage for the largest NAACP State Conferences in the country.

Delta was dear to her:
Daphne served nationally and locally with her beloved Deltas. Daphne was initiated in Gamma Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at Knoxville College. She was an active member of the Winston-Salem Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, as long as her health permitted. Through Daphne's loyal and faithful commitment to the sorority, she exemplified the highest level of integrity and service. Daphne served on various committees, held many positions on the executive board, such as President, financial secretary, treasurer, recording secretary and the list goes on. Through Daphne's leadership and service, many partnerships were formed.
Daphne was well-rounded as she had a love for the Arts and served on the executive board of Delta Fine Arts. Daphne was well known throughout the sorority from the local level to the national level. She was respected and was called upon for her expertise and knowledge. As a faithful member of the sorority, Daphne would never turn anyone away as she always shared her knowledge of Delta. She could always converse about world news, no matter the subject matter. Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will truly miss Soror Daphne Holmes-Johnson.

The Johnson family became acquainted with Dr. Rev. John Mendez through social justice work and joined Emmanuel Baptist Church over 10 years ago. Through her lens of faith, fairness, and family, Daphne Holmes Johnson left an enduring legacy for the flame of social justice to burn in our hearts.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30am Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Herbert Miller, II presiding and Reverend Dr. William Barber eulogist.