Helen E. Johnson, the daughter of Lafayette and Lena Brown Skaggs,
was born May 12, 1916, in Onarga, Illinois, and moved to Urbana,
Illinois, at the age of 14. She attended Urbana Senior High School
and graduated in 1934. Helen married John C. Johnson and reared
6 children.
In 1947, Mrs. Johnson began working at Tot Lot Nursery School,
a summer program for children ranging in ages from 3 to 5 years,
who were too young to participate in the public recreation programs.
The nursery school was located at 605 N. 5th Street, Champaign.
She served as playground supervisor until 1951, and was then named
Acting Director. The following year, she was made Director. Tot
Lot was sponsored by the Twin City Community Committee and the
Society of Friends (Quakers). In 1957, Church Women United sponsored
Tot Lot, and the program moved to Salem Baptist Church during
the summer of 1959. In 1962, Church Women United decided to sponsor
another project, and Mrs. Johnson, wishing to continue her work
with children, completed the Montessori Teachers Training in Chicago,
and returned to teach at the Champaign Montessori School until
1969. She also served as Director for 1 ½ years. In 1969,
Salem Pre-School was founded by Mrs. Johnson. She taught a Primary
Sunday School Class and she served as Director of the Pre-School
until ill-health forced her to become inactive in April 1976.
Additional activities include: organizing the Eight Betas Club
in 1950, and serving as the 1st President; elected as President
of Lawhead-Willard Elementary Schools P.T.A in 1952; serving as
an assistant Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother; and President
of the Citizens Cooperative Association. She served as Treasurer
of the Matrons Missionary Society of Salem Baptist Church and
Secretary of the Esther Missionary Circle. In 1959, she was elected
to serve on the Board of Directors of the Frances Nelson Children's
Home, which later was named the Community Home for Children. She
served as Assistant Church Clerk at Salem from December 1, 1972
until March 1976. She was elected Vice President of the Urbana
Letter Carrier's Auxiliary #230, January 8, 1972 and became a
member of the Board of Directors of the Frances Nelson Health
Center from February 28, 1973 until March 24, 1976. She served
as Treasurer, a member of the Personnel Committee, Executive Committee
and Chairperson of the Medical Task Force Committee. Mrs. Johnson
was a member of the East Central Illinois Association for the
Young Child. In 1974, she organized the Champaign-Urbana Reunion
Day.
Mrs. Johnson passed away on July 20, 1976.
Helen E. Johnson
)
denotes original charter members of the Champaign County Section
of the National Council of Negro Women.