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| Vallie Barnes James Johnson |
Born on September 15, 1889 in Nanafalia, Alabama, Vallie was
the fifth child of Allen and Emma Barnes.
She was a baby when Allen and Emma moved to McIntosh.
In 1905, Vallie married Samuel James, Jr., son of Patsy and
Samuel James, Sr. Together they had seven children, Frank, Allen, Adley, Hood,
John, Dorothea, and Vallie. Sam
worked as a general laborer and Vallie was a homemaker. Hard times hit the family when Sam died
in 1920, seven months before the birth of their daughter, Vallie.
In 1924, Vallie married Leroy Johnson. To this union, two children, Emma Bell
and Marie, were born. Leroy worked
on the railroad until his retirement, and Vallie did domestic work. After retirement, Leroy spent most of
his days farming and tending to his various animals.
The farm had many interesting and exciting things for the grandchildren: a barn to play in, a large tree to climb
and swing from, and a variety of farm animals to feed and observe. Special treats on many hot summer days
were the homemade ice cream and pound cakes that were Mamma Vallie's
specialties. Christmas was also a
special time at her house. Great
food was eaten and gifts were exchanged.
However, Mamma Vallie faithfully stored her gifts in an old trunk –
never to be used.
Leroy worked on the railroad until his retirement, and
Vallie did domestic work. After
retirement, Leroy spent most of his days farming and tending to his various
animals. Vallie and Leroy resided
on the Johnson family land until the end of their days, all while calling each
other "Miss Vallie" and "Mr. Johnson," respectively.
Mamma Vallie had a rough time with deaths in the
family. Besides her first husband,
Sam, three children preceded her in death: Hood in February 1925, Emma Bell in July 1943, and Frank in
February 1962. Through it all, she
kept a stern but loving disposition.
When interviewed in 1999, Emma Bell Williams noted, "She would
often tell me that 'All that shines is not gold,' and 'A heap see, but few
know.'" Emma Bell went on to explain that Mamma Vallie would always start
out with the phrase, "I know you don't hear this, but I'm going to tell
you anyway, because I will be dead and gone buy will be able to use it. One day you can look back and say
'Mamma sure did tell me this.' Emma Bell recalled that Mamma Vallie taught her to be kind
and to treat others the way she wished to be treated. Mamma Vallie also told her to always go
about doing things as if someone was watching, because nine times out of ten,
someone was. Emma Bell pondered fondly,
"It is a joy to reflect back on the times we spent just talking and
expressing our love for each other.
She was truly a dear grandmother with lots of wisdom."
