Dena Charisse Johnson entered this Earth destined to make her mark on Oct 10, 1961 to the late Jerome (Jerry) Donald Johnson and late Pauline Odessa Virginia Munn Johnson at Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn NY. Educated in Brooklyn, New York in the community of Brownsville, Charisse matriculated to University where she completed her PhD; Divinity, PhD; Addictions, MS; Counseling and BS; Theology. From the early stages of life Charisse was a kind, gracious, generous and spirited individual.
She always had this undeniable spark of energy and love. As a teenager Charisse made a quality decision to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. She was witnessed to by a neighbor (Leroy) who explained the gospel and at that moment, in the hallway on the 3rd floor of 512 Stone Ave,.
Charisse gave her life to Christ. She cemented that decision by attending and being active at Tabernacle of Prayer for All People, Inc, Brooklyn, New York, under the leadership of Apostle Johnnie L. Washington. Sensing the call of God on her life as a teenager, Charisse shared the gospel with her friends and witnessed to others in the neighborhood, eventually being ordained as an Evangelist under Pastor C.R. Johnson at Brooklyn Tabernacle.
Charisse not only focused on her spiritual life, but her physical life as well. As a teenager, she visited the Police Athletic League (PAL) to inquire about the Martial Arts program. The first day visiting the gym she tripped over the entrance step.
Charisse was such an achiever and overcomer that the incident did not hinder her from becoming the FIRST female Black belt 5th Degree, in the history of the Marital Arts Training Program. Charisse was tenacious, overcoming any obstacle. She went on to become one of the first female instructors as a young adult.
In 2010 Charisse was inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame in Atlanta GA. Charisse has faced many challenges, her faith in God gave her strength. She married childhood friend Anthony Berry, later, thru time and circumstance they ended the union.
Charisse made the bold decision to move to Washington, DC (Her father’s hometown). There she joined Victory Christian Ministries, International, under the leadership of Apostles Tony and Cynthia Brazelton. Charisse loved her Pastors and loved her Church and Church family, especially praise and worship!
She could always be found every Sunday and/or Wednesday at the front Altar praising and dancing before Jesus. She was an active member participating in the Drama Ministry, Fishers of Men Ministry, and as part of the church’s Missions Team. A strong sense of family always guided Charisse, she visited and kept in constant contact with friends and relatives from both sides of her family.
She is truly missed as that beacon of hope, joy, faithfulness and success. She leaves with precious memories: her devoted sister Karon J. Mack, (Darius); brother Jerome Johnson Jr., nephew DeShea (Rachel), niece Jeanelle, great nephews Jamon, Emmanuel, and Elijah, great nieces Naomi and Aryanna. She was preceded in her transition by her sister Shirley Johnson.
Cherishing special memories are also a host of Cousins whom she loved dearly and visited often in New York, Virginia Beach, East Arcadia and in District of Columbia Metropolitan Area. She will be missed by Valerie, her childhood best friend, a many other special friends and relatives alike.
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