Chief Elder Edna Marie Johnson

 “His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

On July 5, 1954, Elder Edna Marie Johnson was born to her proud parents, the late Willie Mae and the late Arthur Bessent. She was educated in the public schools of Camden County, where she was a graduate of the class of 1972. After graduation, she continued her education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where she received her A. S. in Sociology and later in her career, she attended Valdosta State University earning a B. S. in Education. She began her career in law enforcement in September of 1980 with the City of Brunswick Police Department in a predominantly male environment where she would exercise her passion for over 30 years. While on this path, she would earn many accomplishments and several first-time recognitions. A few to name, she was the first DARE officer and Trainer of Trainers for other DARE officers in the State of Georgia, first Chief to install mobile data units in police cars, she developed and governed the implementation of the Public Housing Community partnership with law enforcement in the City of Brunswick, which made a huge impact on the community, assisted in the creation of the regional “Golden Isle Gang Suppression Task Force,” the first woman promoted to Captain, and due to her exemplary leadership skills in 2003, then City Manager Roosevelt Harris appointed her interim chief at a crucial point in her career with the upcoming re-accreditation of the department and Group of 8 economic summit on Sea Island. 

In June of 2004, she was appointed as the first African American female to achieve executive level position as Commanding Officer within the Southern Regional District in law enforcement: Chief of Police. Under her leadership, the agency was awarded the Weed & Seed initiative in 2007, recognized as Project Safe Neighborhood Community in 2005, achieved state certification in 2005, facilitated the development of the Coastal Georgia Strategic Alliance which involves monthly collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Coastal Georgia, implemented crimemapping.com for the City of Brunswick residents, promoted Brunswick Police Department participation in the National Night Out program and recruited community partners, expanded the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (GREAT), and implemented community- oriented policing agency wide. 

Among other prestigious recognitions, she was awarded the NAACP’s 2000 Captain of the Year Award, Coastal Area Community Action Authority’s 2001 Community Leader Award, YWCA’s 2002 Tribute to Women Leaders recipient, member of the 2001-2002 International Who’s Who Historical Society of Public Service, 2003 Glynn County Community Hero’s Award, Brunswick Funeral Home’s 2003 Community Award, the 2006 Living the Dream Award, 2007 Community Leader Award, and the 2009 Leadership Award. 

Edna’s faith walk began at an early age under the leadership of her great-grandmother, Evangelist Mother Daisy Glacie Bullard. Before her health begin to fail, she was a very dedicated and faithful member of New Life Interfaith Christian Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Barbara Holland, where she actively served as the Director of Outreach Ministries, Praise and Worship Leader, Evangelist, Administrative Assistant, and Prayer Intercessor. 

Edna Marie Johnson departed this life on October 9, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Mae and Arthur Bessent; and siblings, Arthur Mae Bessent, Joann Collins, Alexander Bessent, and Oscar Bessent. Chief Edna Johnson, which she will be forever remembered as, was considered the matriarch of the family. As a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, and cousin, she was one who always assured us that prayer was a key factor of our daily living. Through her journey, she left unforgettable memories that will be cherished forever by her devoted daughter and caregiver, Zalika Howard; loving son, James Johnson, Jr. (Ashley), both of Brunswick, GA; five grandchildren, Aneesa Green, Keira Johnson, Xavier Johnson, James Johnson III, and Josy’ah Johnson, all of Brunswick, GA; one brother, Malachi Beyah of Jacksonville, FL; two sister, Phyllis Rhone of St. Mary's, GA, and Patricia Gibbs of Woodbine, GA; aunts Cora Andrews and Vera Bullard of Kingsland, GA, and Nora Smith of Hinesville, GA; uncle, Earl Cohen of Jacksonville, FL; godson, Eugene of Brunswick, GA; goddaughter, Jeleessa Howard of Valdosta, GA; and host of many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand and great-grandnieces and nephews who all were special to her. Heartfelt thanks is extended to a devoted special daughter, Dominique Brown, and her son, Ayden Jones, both of whom she loved very dearly. 

II Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.