HOUSTON- Mrs. Ovida Johnson Williams was the first born of three children to Mr. Raymond Johnson and Mrs. Eliza Jane Mitchell Johnson in Cold Springs, Texas on August 29, 1909. Her siblings were Develous and Raymond “Bit” Johnson Jr. The Johnson family relocated to Houston in 1911.
In 1914, they moved to Fifth Ward. Her father retired as a Pullman Porter from Southern Pacific Railroad in the early 1960’s. Her mother was an entrepreneur and florist.

In addition, she assumed a leadership role in various community service organizations including the matron of the Pearly Gate Court #98 of the Heroines of Jericho. The family joined Mt. Vernon Methodist Church in 1913 and she has been a faithful, loyal, beloved and continuous member to date. She has served the church in many capacities over the years.

She was educated in the Houston Public Schools and is a graduate of Phyllis Wheatley High School Class of 1929. She married twice. Her first marriage to Mr. Willie Bright III ended in 1946. From this union, her only child Willie Bright was born.

In 1951, she married Mr. Nathaniel Williams, who died in 1992. Following her retirement from the  Houston Harris County Hospital District as a laboratory assistant, she became an independent, small business entrepreneur in Fifth Ward.

Recently, she became a Centenarian and celebrated her 100th birthday with a celebration at the Ensemble Theatre. She credits her faith in God, trust in fellow man, supportive family and a great sense of humor for her longevity.
We salute Mrs. Ovida Johnson Williams as this week’s Living Legend and invite you to send in who you think will make a good Living Legend and why they should be honored.