First Lady Donna B. Johnson

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Donna B. Johnson joyfully serves as the First Lady of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. She is a faithful and honorable woman of God. She supports her husband’s leadership and pastoral ministry and seeks to fulfill God’s calling in her life by serving various areas of the church’s worship, work, and outreach. She has a special passion for investing in the health and wellness, spiritual and, intellectual growth of today’s youth, young adults, and women.

Mrs. Johnson is a native of Reidsville North Carolina. She is a graduate of Wilberforce University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. As a professional educator for the emotionally challenged, Mrs. Johnson serves as an ABA Special Educational Therapist at Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia, New Jersey.

Mrs. Johnson is an advocate for women’s spiritual development and healthcare. Under her guidance, the Women’s Ministry of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ was founded. She continues to provide leadership to national and local organizations supporting health and wellness issues and weight management programs, including the Communities of Harlem Health Revival, “Go Red Dress Day” to support the American Heart Association, Weight Watchers, and SisterTalk NY, a faith-based weight management program. She has led the First Lady’s Ministry in sponsoring major fundraisers for cancer research and prevention in cooperation with the Friends of Harlem Hospital, the Lupus Foundation, and the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention.

Mrs. Johnson has given considerable service and leadership to the Harlem community. Her volunteer service has included Harlem’s Hale House and the Sanctuary for Families, a shelter for battered women. She is a member of Canaan’s Bethesda Health and Wellness Ministry; the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., and the Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Mrs. Johnson is the recipient of numerous leadership, community, and civic awards presented by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Manhattan Section, The Universal Circle of Sisters Health Award, and the New York Progressive Baptist State Convention’s Women’s Auxiliary.

Mrs. Johnson has been married to Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr. for 40 years. They are the proud parents of two children, Tamika (Marcus) and Thomas Jr., and the loving grandparents of three grandchildren.