Obituary of Earline Johnson McDuffy

Earlene Connie Johnson McDuffy, daughter of the late Mary Jane and Willie Johnson was born in Cumberland County, Virginia on August 20, 1937. On Saturday, February 19, 2011, God called this "child of God" Home at a golden age of maturity following courageous, faith- heralding bout with cancer. Earline also aim "Dukie", "Duke" or "Aunt Duke", had one brother, two sisters and a grandson who preceded her in death. Earline was educated in Cumberland County Public School System, graduating in 1956, from Luther P. Jackson High School. She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she remained a member under the Ministry of the late Rev. Paul Booker. She migrated to Philadelphia, PA with her aunt after graduation to seek employment. Earline was very family orientated, so she missed home and retuned for a short period. She decided that she wanted more for herself and family, therefore, she returned to Philadelphia to live with her older sister. Earline managed and was part owner of Georgine's Restaurant for many years. She attended OIC Business Institute, where she received her Certificate for Business Administration. She worked as a Bank Teller and Clerk for Mellon and First Pennsylvania Banks, where she retired. During her retirement, she had several part-time positions working for The Red Cross, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and The IRS. Earline moved into the Abbottsford Homes as a single parent raising her children, nieces and nephews providing them with love and care. She lived there for many years and was well known for her cooking, baking, and feeding everyone. She was known especially for her homemade Pineapple upside down and Carmel icing cakes. Many tried to get the recipe, but all she would say "use a pinch of this, a dab of that; because she never used measurements. Earline was always making up a new dish with whatever she had in her kitchen, to ensure that her family had a meal daily. When her children participated in various programs and events, she was always there to support them. She joined Nazarene Baptist Church and was a faithful member of over thirty years, under the pastorship of Rev. William L. Banks, Rev. James Cherry and Rev. K. Marshall Williams, Sr. She took much joy singing on the David Gospel Choir. Her heart filled with joy, as she sang her favorite song, "God's Grace" to the Lord. Sister McDuffy also served on the Charity Aide Ministry, she loved her Church family. Nazarene Church family was her second home, she continued to fellowship with friends in spite of her illness. When Earline moved to 28th Street, she met and married the late Roscoe McDuffy, whom she cherished until his death. She was loved by her neighbors and was called, Mommy or Grandma by the young adults and children. She had many dear friends who were like sisters to her. Once she became ill, she would sit out front or in her window watching the children, providing that parental guidance and security. Earlene was a woman full of love for her family and friends and enjoyed doing whatever she could to help. Her smile would warm your heart, she was truly a blessing to everyone who was blessed to know her. Many can bear witness today that, "To Know Her Was To Love Her." Earlene leaves to cherish precious memories: her daughters, Jo Ann and Blanche Johnson, Drusilla Mull, Vanessa Allen and Grace Fitzgerald; sons, Merritt "Hammid" Johnson, Dwight Johnson, Robert, Reginald and Johnny Allen; stepdaughter, Janice Stroam; god son, Marcus "Jabir" Nolan; her favorite cousin/sister, Julia Hawthorne; brothers-in-law, Herbert McDuffy and John Brown; sister-in-law, Connie McDuffy and Matilda Johnson; her cousin, Juanita (Buckie) Brockington, who was by her side through the end; (38) grandchildren; (34) great-grandchildren; (1) great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and church family.