Beatrice Rena Mae Hubbart Johnson Beatrice Rena Mae Hubbart Johnson, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was born on July 30, 1946, in Noxubee County, Mississippi, to the late Artter Peter Hubbart and Tinsey Shaw. She peacefully passed away on September 13, 2026, at Saint Vincent AGH Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. 

Beatrice was preceded in death by her beloved son, Taquille Johnson; her stepson, Johnathan Johnson; her brother, Artter Hubbart; her sisters, Eva Carey, Betty Will, and Mary Thompson; her godson, David Grayson; her aunt, Josephine Clark, who lovingly raised her; and her son-in-law, David Lee Easter. 

Affectionately known as “Momma J” to many, Beatrice had a heart for people and a natural gift for making others feel like family. She was known for feeding many people within her church community and opening her heart and home to those around her. Whether someone was related by blood or brought into her life through love, Beatrice had a special way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and accepted.

 Beatrice was also a hardworking woman with a lifelong passion for caring for children and families. She worked many jobs before starting her career at Hammermill and later followed her calling into childcare. She first owned and operated a home daycare in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she cared for children and supported families within her community. She later expanded her passion for childcare by owning a daycare center in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her dedication to caring for children continued throughout her life, and she later worked alongside her daughter, Kerrinique, at the family-owned Thurston Child Care Center in Erie. Through her many years in childcare, Beatrice became a motherly figure to countless children and families and left a lasting impact on generations. 

Beatrice leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Regina Cooley (Jerry Sr.) of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Kerrinique Thurston (Frank) of Erie, Pennsylvania, Mary Morgan (Sheldon) and Tracey Bush of Texas , LaRena Bush of North Carolina, Takorshia Johnson, Taleshia Johnson, Fatima Johnson, Felicia Johnson, and Twaneshia Johnson, all of Erie, Pennsylvania; and Evelyn Hubbart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

She is also survived by her brothers: Willie George Hubbart (Della), Roosevelt Hubbart, Ernest B. Hopkins, and Willie L. Hubbart Sr. (Brenda), all of Erie, Pennsylvania. Beatrice was blessed with many grandchildren whom she absolutely loved and adored. Her grandchildren include LaChrishia Easter, Jalishia Easter, Charelle Easter, Tajh Easter, Rashon Richardson, RaKeem Jones Sr., Terry Tre’mon Roberts, Zomaira, DeNaale, Deniya, Saivon, Jas’Zaria, Leevi, Kingleevon, Zhiya, Dorian Jr., Rion, and Nomi, all of Erie, Pennsylvania; Tishala Cooley and Meriah Cooley of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Dupree A. Williams (Stephanie) of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania; Jerry Cooley Jr. (Michelle) of Irwin, Pennsylvania; Shakiera Rieger, ShaMieia Roberts, Sydeja Roberts, and Rodney Jones Jr., all of North Carolina; Alexzandara, Ashley, and Cameron Morgan of Texas; and Alexis Marshall (Antwan) of Arizona. Her legacy continues through her 50 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a part of the love, strength, and family values she poured into those around her. 

Beatrice also leaves behind her goddaughters, Caren Shamae Grayson, Sharnita “Kookie” Atchison, Anetia Stewart, and Raquel Grayson Wayne; and her godsons, John Brunson Jr., Harry Euell, Jason E. Harris, Dalen M. Hooks, and Howard Allen, all of Erie. 

She also leaves to cherish her memory Emogene Lidell of Columbus, Mississippi; her very close sister-friend, Betty Lou Coleman; Winnie Blanks; Hattie M. Showers; and Patricia Brunson of Erie, Pennsylvania, along with a host of nieces, nephews,  extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched throughout the years. 

A mother’s and grandmother’s love is a unique blend of warmth, wisdom, strength, and unconditional support. It leaves a lifelong mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to receive it. Beatrice undoubtedly left that mark on her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, godchildren, family, friends, and the many people she welcomed into her life. 

Her strength, generosity, love for family, and willingness to care for others will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape. The love she gave so freely will never be forgotten. 

“A mother’s love is a powerful and pure bond that inspires some of the most meaningful words ever spoken.” 

“A grandmother’s love is forever and always.”