Minnie Lee (Warmack) Johnson

UTICA – Minnie Lee (Warmack) Johnson, age 85, was reunited with her loved ones—especially her beloved son, Lyle—when she went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Born in Clopton, AL, on August 11, 1939, Minnie was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Carrie (Freeman) Warmack. The family later relocated to the Utica area, where she graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1958. She went on to attend beauty culture school in Albany, where she became a licensed cosmetologist—a license she proudly displayed in her kitchen. At one time she was wed to Thomas Johnson, a union which brought the blessings of their two sons. For many years, Minnie held a booth at Griffin’s Barber Shop, where she turned many clients into friends—marking the beginning of her Utica fame. She later worked at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center for many years as a caring and dedicated Mental Health Therapy Aide. Throughout it all, she never stopped being both a cosmetologist and a caretaker, often traveling to people’s homes whenever they called for her. No one could work a hot comb like Minnie Johnson—she created, and sometimes even rescued, hairdos of every style and size. More than anything else, Minnie possessed a loving spirit. If she loved you, you knew it—and if she didn’t, you knew that too! She had a huge heart for her family and never failed to provide for her sons. She was kind to everyone, no matter what walk of life they came from. In less than a minute, she could turn a stranger into a friend. Everyone on Dudley Ave. knew the comfort of Minnie’s home and hospitality. A business-minded individual, Minnie was meticulous in her organization and never left a box unchecked! She was also known as the “Facebook Queen,” including herself, Maxie, and the kitties in every post. She was also known for crocheting slippers each Christmas for her nieces and nephews, a tradition they cherished. She was an excellent cook and loved hosting holiday celebrations where she recreated her mother’s recipes to perfection. Minnie deeply loved her Lord and was a proud missionary of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. She relished preaching alongside other believers—whether at the church or even in the grocery store. She also sang in the church choir as if she were the only one there, lifting her voice with passion and praise. Family and friends will always remember her calling out, “John Brown it!”—loud and proud, never taking the Lord’s name in vain. Minnie was truly a staple in our community and will be missed by many. Minnie is survived by her son, Scott F. Johnson. She cherished the memory of her son, Lyle T. Johnson, who preceded her on February 12, 2016. Her loss is also felt by her grandchildren, Matthew, the late De’Leon, Giovanni, Brooklyn, Mayla, Mario, Marquilla, Ajanae, and Ariel; a host of great-grandchildren whom she loved deeply; and her darling sister, Ann Washington. She was preceded by her beloved sisters, Rosetta (Warmack) Yarbrough, and Cloir Dell Warmack-Johnson. She will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, as well as so many special friends who called her mom, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and everything in between. She was also preceded by her canine companion, Maxie. The Johnson family would like to thank the staff at Wynn Hospital, especially Nykia Pearson, and Jeleasa Linder for their compassionate care of Minnie over the past two months and for keeping her comfortable. Gratitude is also extended to Sabrina Doles for her kindness and dedication. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 751 South St. Minnie’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the church. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89062597842. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Minnie Lee (Warmack) Johnson

August 11, 1939 - July 1, 2025