Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Greater Love Chapel COGIC, 1105 North 8th Street.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.  Visitation is one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.  Angela was born on August 24, 1963, in Wilmington, NC, to the late Mary L. Jenkins and the late Rutherford Leonard.  Neicy, as she was affectionately known, never met her birth mother, but was raised by the most loving, appointed Mother, her maternal Grandmother, the late Annie Jenkins Sherman whom she called Momma. Neicy was a member of Holy Trinity Church, and she cherished the Sunday morning memories of her Momma singing gospel tunes and the smell of fresh biscuits. Their bond was special.  From an early age, you could see that Neicy was very special. Not because of her circumstances but because of who she was. A precocious child, she was sweet and loving and always shared with her peers. Never one to follow tradition, she led her own path seeking different adventures and living life on her terms. She was a fashionista before it was a thing. Neicy loved family, her aunts/sisters and as the eldest of the cousins, she was the leader who protected and nurtured them as if they were her own. She received her formal education in New Hanover County, graduating from New Hanover High School in 1981. Shortly thereafter, Angela moved to Hartford CT and began to pursue various interests. She studied at Morse School of Business and began her career at Hartford Steam Boiler, Robinson & Cole Law Firm, just to name a few. It was during these years that she would meet lifelong friends and ultimately meet her soulmate, Sherman L Johnson. Sherman and Angela would marry in 1987, and their union produced five sons and one stepdaughter.  Motherhood was a natural transition due to her love of family. Angela was a doting mother and devoted wife. She made many sacrifices for her family because they were the most important to her. Her loving husband states "She was my administrative assistant, my ride or die, my rock, my everything". Chaz says that of the six men, his mom was the strongest. Jailen will always remember his mom by his side after a medical procedure because she wanted to make sure her baby was in one piece. She was a strong force in her family's life and her lessons about love and forgiveness will be remembered for generations to come.  Even as busy Mom, she always made time for friends and her ever growing curiosities, such as becoming a Real Estate Agent. In 2013 Angela enrolled in a substance abuse and addictions counseling training, which prepared her for higher learning.  In 2018, Angela fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing her BS. Degree in Human Services. Angela was employed with Hartford Juvenile Detention, retiring after more than 20 years of service. However, retirement could not stop this phenomenal woman. Always believing there had been a call on her life, Angela deepened her relationship with the Lord and spent her last years pursuing "purpose and passion".  Angela started her Christian walk as a member of Christ Temple COGIC before joining Crossroads Community Cathedral. She served as a Greeter and was happy to serve in any capacity. To use her words "I am a willing vessel, always ready to be used by God." Angela became a certified Life Coach and was gifted and skilled at encouraging, inspiring, and empowering others to tap into their unrealized dreams and possibilities.  Angela joined the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance. In addition to administrative duties, Angela shopped for the groceries that fed the homeless at the local shelters and community events.  Angela found the most joy in spending time with her Grandchildren. She loved picking them up from school, caring for them, taking them out to eat and having sleepovers with them. They loved her deeply and most times did not want to leave their Nana. During the past three years, Angela enjoyed traveling with friends and showing up in rooms she never imagined. In 2021, Angela became an author when she documented her life's journey in a book of essays entitled "Emerging". Even during her brief illness, she still managed to put others first, giving godly advice, holding onto her faith immensely, and keeping her family encouraged through it all, stating fiercely "I trust God and I just want to be in his perfect will".  Angela may have struggled with her place in this world due to the many titles she was given. Whether you referred to her as Angela or Niecy, as Mom or Nana, as a daughter or Granddaughter, a sister or Niece, a cousin or Aunt, a friend or colleague - what we know for sure is that she was a light in our lives who impacted everyone she touched. She was truly heaven sent, an Angel on earth, who will be sorely missed.  She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories; her loving husband of almost 35 years, Sherman Johnson; Five Sons: Brandon -grandchildren - Harmony Kylah, Brandon Jr. (BK), Kylanni Lovae, Amais Ky, Kario Amai, and Cenaiyah Love. Chaz and granddaughter Chaya Princess. Sons Devin, and twins Jadon, and Jailen Johnson. One stepdaughter Carolyn Tann and grandchildren Christopher, Chase, Kasey, E'moni, and Gabrielle. Five Aunts/Sisters: Nell Pollock, Gracie (Warren) Beatty, Ruby Eaddy, Miriam (John) Haynes, Deborah Jenkins. Three sisters: Brandi and Lisa Leonard; and Chryl Washington.  Four Brothers: Steven and David Leonard, and Lance and Allen Washington. Four Brother-in-laws: Willie Harris; Anthony (Rhonda) Johnson, Jeffrey (Marty) Johnson, and Kevin (Brenda) Johnson, Two Sister-in-laws: Effie (Angaza) Mvwando and Yolanda Chapman, Mother-in-law: Ms. Juanita Johnson.  Special First Cousins The Pollocks, Evans, Jenkins, and Eaddy's. Special friend Sharon Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many, many dear friends and colleagues who will miss her dearly.

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