Johnnie Mae Grant was born on September 4, 1943, in Moss Point, Mississippi, to Johnny and Mattie Ruth McCreary. Johnnie Mae attended Magnolia High School until she graduated at the age of 16. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Moss Point, Mississippi.

After moving to California with her childhood friend Mary Roberson, she became a faithful member at Saint Rest Baptist Church, under Pastor Jordan in Los Angeles. Afterward, she joined New Testament Church under Pastor David Cross, now residing at The Liberty Church. She was a devoted member who served on the Usher Board, Greeters, and Senior Ministries. She also was an Eastern Star member under Hannah Grand Chapter of Los Angeles.

At an early age her career began at Broadway Hospital (Barbara Turner), West Adams Hospital, Long Beach Memorial and St. Mary\'s Medical Center (Juanita Moses & Andreina Serrano). Johnnie Mae worked several years as a Unit Secretary before retiring in 1995. She worked at various hospitals where she met life long special friends.

Johnnie Mae comes from a lineage of strong women. She enjoyed spending quality time with her daughters and family vacations with her grand and great-grandchildren. Her favorite place was Las Vegas and her favorite time of year was Christmas. She was a very giving and caring person; she who was a good listener and always seemed to know what exactly what was needed.

Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by her parents Johnny & Mattie Ruth McCreary, her grandmother Luretta Smith, husband, Matthew Edwards Burns, brother Kenneth McCreary and sister Sylvia Thigpen.

She leaves a legacy of love and precious memories to her two daughters: Karen (Charles) Robinson and Kathy Burns both of Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren: Kenneth (Shan) McCreary of Los Angeles, CA, Charles �Eric� (Jackie) Robinson II, Jeremy (Shalanta) Robinson of Lancaster, CA, Christina (Ashton) Roberts and Jalen Smith of Los Angeles, CA; one brother-in-law, James Thigpen Sr. of Moss Point, MI and a cousin/brother, Willie Frank (Josette) Long of Vallejo, CA; special friends: Mary Roberson, Barbara and Nina (goddaughter) Turner, Juanita Moses, Lorraine Rawlings, Andreina Serrano and Amelia Rigmaiden, three daughters-in-Christ: Earnestine Howard, Gloria Matthews and Rebecca Brownlee; twenty-six great grands/great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, children from other mothers and friends.