The members of Mentrotone Baptist Church pause to pay tribute to one who served our church with distinction and honor for decades. Mentrotone was very proud to have Ms. Virginia Green Johnson as "Mother" of our church. On October 19, 2025, at 107 years of age, she was called home by almighty God and gained her heavenly wings. She served as an inspiration to all, young and old alike. She led by example and would tell anyone that had time to listen how good God has been to her. We at Mentrotone "Loved her to Life."

Born to Richard and Millie Green on April 20, 1918, Virginia arrived in the spring in Clarendon, South Carolina. She was educated in the Clarendon Public Schools.

In 1941, she moved to Washington, DC, where she became interested in Beauty Culture. She enrolled in Beauty College in 1948 and worked various jobs while going to school to make ends meet.

After the passing of her father, when she was only five years old, her mother married a year later to a gentleman named Mr. Mott. He was a devoted stepfather until his death in 1952.

During that same year, in 1952, she completed her training at A Tex Beauty College. After graduating with high grades, Mother Johnson worked as a cosmetologist at several area salons. She was co-owner of the Orchard Salon and L & J House of Beauty located at Benning Road & H Street, SE, in the Ward 7 area of Washington, DC. 

Godmother is another title Mother Johnson carried, as she has been and was a "Mother" to many. She has touched the lives of many in a myriad of ways,

At 107 years of age, Mother Johnson never stopped. She was a fierce woman of God and would praise him anywhere and anytime. She was very active in her community and always had a "giving" spirit.

She was a member of Mentrotone Baptist Church for over 40 years and held the esteemed title of "Mother of the Church." She served on countless ministries over the years and sang in the Senior Choir and was a Deaconess. She could always be found sharing her wisdom and knowledge with younger members of the church.

In 2018, on her 100th birthday, Mother Johnson was honored by the District of Columbia and attended a luncheon where she was recognized by Mayor Muriel Bowser. She was also highlighted on Fox 5 DC News on April 20, 2024, as her church family, neighbors, and friends showed their love for her 106th birthday.

We thank God for blessing us with this woman of faith. We love you Mother Johnson! Rest well!