Still Blooming at 80 Celebrating Yah Yah, Tonja G. Johnson

 

Celebrating Tonja G. Johnson at 80

Some people leave a mark because of what they own or what they accomplish. But Yah Yah, lovingly known as Tonja G. Johnson, has touched lives because of how deeply she loves.

Born in Queens, New York, and raised in different parts of the borough, Yah Yah eventually made her home in Saint Albans and moved to 192nd Street in 1977. Wherever she lived, one thing remained constant. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and open doors.

If you had to describe Yah Yah in three words, her family says it best. Loving. Patient. Nurturing. She believes deeply in God, speaks openly about love, and never hesitates to tell the truth. She teaches proper etiquette, the importance of independence, patience, love, and how to build your own life and relationships on your terms. Above all, she always reminds her family, I love you.

Yah Yah's entrepreneurial spirit came to life in the early eighties with The Boulevard Ice Cream Parlor in Saint Albans. It quickly became the neighborhood gathering place. Friends visited after school and before and after skating at the Saint Albans Skating Rink. It was a safe, joyful space that shaped happy memories for so many.

She later worked as Lead Cashier at Market Deli at North Shore LIJ Health Systems, where coworkers and patients admired her kindness and professionalism.

Beyond business, Yah Yah also brought beauty to the world through dance. She trained in ballet, jazz, and tap at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center. She danced socially and professionally, performing on legendary stages such as The Apollo Theater. She performed with Billy Stewart and Brooks Odell. She was part of a group named The Dancing Dellettes, created in honor of her grandmother Odell Chase.

At one time, Marvin Gaye invited the group to perform. When circumstances shifted, they honored their contract, still participated, and were paid to enjoy the show. It remains one of the family’s favorite stories.

She even danced in Go-Go style cages similar to those seen on the show Laugh In at the Kit Kat Lounge in Manhattan. And today, she still lights up the dance floor at every family celebration.

When you ask Yah Yah what matters most, her answer is simple. Her children. Her grandchildren. Her great grandchildren She helped plan the Fortune and Hunt family reunions. She became known as the neighborhood mom who raised friends, cousins, and anyone who needed love and guidance.

She was married twice, experienced deep love, built lifelong friendships, catered many events throughout New York City, and retired after twenty years of service with North Shore LIJ. She owned both an ice cream parlor and a video store for ten years. Today she proudly serves as Chief Financial Officer of Camp Candyland and Candyland Arts and Academics. Purpose has never left her life.

Her family describes her with joy and gratitude. Tony says, I will always love my YahYah. She is my favorite girl. Candy says, I learned how to be the best mother, sister, cousin, and friend by watching the best mother, sister, cousin, and friend. Sydnee says that YahYah is her best friend, Muffin’s best friend, and the best friend to her friends as well.

Her siblings say she is the best big sister they could ever ask for, and now she proudly stands as the family matriarch.

Every celebration revolves around faith, food, and family. Every gathering is filled with laughter. And since moving to Memphis, one of the phrases that always brings smiles is when she lovingly says, this is some bull shhh. Her honesty and humor remain as vibrant as ever.

From entrepreneur to dancer, from mother to matriarch, from mentor to friend, Yah Yah reminds us that a life rooted in faith, laughter, resilience, and unconditional love creates the most beautiful legacy.

Today, we honor you, Yah Yah. Thank you for the life you have lived, for the wisdom you continue to share, and for the love you have poured into your family and community.

Your bloom continues, and we celebrate every petal.

Special thanks to her daughter Candy, for choosing to honor her mother with admiration, gratitude, and love.