Biography:
Click below to view Funeral Services for LT. Colonel Louise Hagler Johnson
Louise Hagler was born on December 6, 1933, to Annie Mae Patterson and Franklin Hagler in Rahway, New Jersey. She was the sixth child of eleven children, and throughout her life, she held fond memories of her family. She always remembered her parents with deep respect, who loved and supported all of their children. In 1952, Louise graduated from Woodbridge High School in New Jersey and later attended the Eastern Conservatory of Music and Arts in Roselle, NJ. For a time, she held a few domestic jobs to help bring additional money home, but eventually she obtained work as a typist for the government. She would frequently attend church, perform vocal solos and sing with the choir at her Aunt Pearl’s Baptist Church. Louise recalled, how her Aunt was so proud of her, “Aunt Pearl would tell everyone in the neighborhood, come to church on Sunday my niece is going to sing”.
Louise Hagler was born on December 6, 1933, to Annie Mae Patterson and Franklin Hagler in Rahway, New Jersey. She was the sixth child of eleven children, and throughout her life, she held fond memories of her family. She always remembered her parents with deep respect, who loved and supported all of their children. In 1952, Louise graduated from Woodbridge High School in New Jersey and later attended the Eastern Conservatory of Music and Arts in Roselle, NJ. For a time, she held a few domestic jobs to help bring additional money home, but eventually she obtained work as a typist for the government. She would frequently attend church, perform vocal solos and sing with the choir at her Aunt Pearl’s Baptist Church. Louise recalled, how her Aunt was so proud of her, “Aunt Pearl would tell everyone in the neighborhood, come to church on Sunday my niece is going to sing”.
As a young woman, Louise moved to New York City with her sister Irene to live and found work at the National Council of Churches while continuing to study music at the then New York College of Music. Louise was a talented vocalist, and as a result, she was the recipient of numerous awards for outstanding vocal performances. Louise continued her walk of faith by attending the Billy Graham Crusades at Madison Square Garden and later joining the choir. At that time, she met a local Salvationist, who invited her to a worship service at the Salvation Army in Harlem. Shortly after, she was hired as the secretary for Harlem Temple Corps and became a member of the Torch Bearers, Young Adult Group. Louise enjoyed the fellowship at the Salvation Army, which deepened her faith and her walk with the Lord. She reconsecrated her life to God and accepted the call to full-time ministry. In 1959, Louise entered the Salvation Army School for Officer’s Training (College), as a member of the GreatHeart session. Upon graduation, she was appointed as the Assistant Officer at the Cleveland Central Corps (Miles Park) in Ohio. At the same time, a young Lt. Abraham Johnson was appointed in charge of the Superior Corps, also in Ohio. Then on September 23, 1961, Louise married Abe at a well attended ceremony held at Harlem Temple Corps. As a married couple, they were appointed to the Superior Corps and then served several more years at the Cleveland Central Corps in Ohio. While in Cleveland the Johnson reached out to the community to provide counsel, distribute food, and to minister the Word of God to all who would listen. During the 1960’s the Johnsons engaged and provided supportive resources to the Black community, especially during the challenging race riots.
In 1972 they were appointed to Harlem Temple with their 3 children and remained in that Corps and a part of that community for a number of years. Louise and Abe had a vision of a new building that would facilitate a new approach to serving God and man. After many years of praying and planning, in 1987, The Salvation Army dedicated a 40,000 sq ft worship and community center in Harlem - at the time, the largest Salvation Army facility in the nation. In 1999, Louise and Abe achieved the ranks of Lt. Colonels, becoming only the first African American couple ever given this rank. Together, they served in eight corps appointments and two divisional headquarter appointments. Furthermore, together Louise and Abe conducted many spiritual campaigns at various corps locations across the United States. The Johnsons have travel around the nation and in parts of the world, preaching and teaching the word of God and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. In 2002, the Johnsons retired with Louise serving a total of 42 years as a Salvation Army Officer. During her retirement, Louise continued to serve the Lord alongside her husband when they began the evening ministry for the local Adult Rehabilitation Center in Roxborough, Pa. Louise and Abe attend the Roxborough Corps, where they are active soldiers who provide valuable support to the Officers and soldiers.
Then in 2020, the Johnsons were honored to receive the Order of the Founder which is the highest honor awarded by The Salvation Army. It recognizes individuals who have rendered distinguished service. The Johnsons were the first African American Officers to be promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonels, they built a new worship and recreational facility in Harlem, NY and they were actively engaged in front line services during 9/11. “This highly respected and unique couple have been instrumental in raising awareness and sensitivity to issues of race equality and inclusion and are promoters and models of diversity, empowerment, education and reconciliation”. The Johsons reside in Philadelphia and spend a lot of time with family and friends. Louise was truly a unique and very special person. She enjoyed playing board games, solving puzzles and her absolute favorite game scrabble. On any given day, Lousie could always be found humming one of her favorite hymns throughout the house, praising God for her family and for her devoted husband of 64 years.
Preceding her in death were her loving parents Frank and Annie Mae Hagler, her siblings, brothers Ansley, Lonnie, James, John, Louis, and sisters Minnie, Rose, Irene, Josephine, and Anni. She leaves to deeply cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband, Lt. Colonel Abraham Johnson, her children Dorothyanne, Dianne, Douglas, daughter-in-law and loving caregiver Tia. Louise also leaves her legacy of laughter and love of the Lord to her grandchildren, Alexandria Monet Fields, Dante Johnson, Danee Yasmin Johnson, Brandon Hubbard, her great grandchildren Travis Neal Jackson, Jr., Aaliyah Nevah Toney, and Arianna Shada Fields. She also leaves several sisters-in-law, Bishop Louise Hagler, Donna Perry, Jewel Caquias, a brother-in-law, Bakari William Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews in both the Hagler and Johnson families. To the very end, Louise lived a full life… she will always be remembered as being funny, feisty, and a faithful servant for the Lord.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
