Sophia Ann Williams Johnson, age 83, of Raleigh, formerly of Sanford, NC, died Monday, October 16, 2017 at Parkview Retirement Center in Sanford, NC.

She was born in Lee County, NC on December 29, 1933 to the late Paul Williams and Lydia Ann Bobbitt Williams.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Denton Johnson. 

Sophia began playing piano and organ at age three, and has played for many events throughout the Southeast over the years.  She served as staff organist and organ teacher for Raleigh-based Stephenson Music Company for 12 years, and served as resident organist for The Plantation Inn in Raleigh for 15 years.  For 20 years she played background music for dining members of Downtown Raleigh’s Capital City Club.  Sophia was a church organist at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sanford, where she served on the staff for 28 years.  She accompanied voice students at Meredith College for 13 years.  Her ability to play both classical and popular music has kept her in demand as an active entertainer throughout the Southeast.

She is survived by her daughter Paula J. Burns and husband Michael of Cary; grandson Christopher Whitley and wife Noelle of Cary; sister Berta Thomas of Sanford; brother Ben Williams of Moncure; brother-in-law Raymond Johnson and wife Hilda of Sanford and many nieces and nephews.

Sophia’s funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Flat Springs Baptist Church with Dr. Gary McCollough officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends, following the services, in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to Flat Springs Baptist Church Music Ministry, 4148 Deep River Road, Sanford, NC 27330.

 Service Information