Iris Antionette Johnson
“Poppy”
Early Life and Education
On Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, Iris Tyler Johnson, age 88, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House of Williamsburg. Born on September 20, 1937, in York County, VA, she was the beloved daughter of the late James and Virginia Tyler. Iris attended Bruton Heights School in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Faith and Family
From a young age, Iris was baptized and became a member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in York County, Virginia. She was blessed with two loving children, Alzinia and Randy Tyler; their father, Al Joseph Morgan, died at a very young age. She later met George O. Johnson, the love of her life, and they were married on April 23, 1960, and were blessed with four children. Following her marriage, she joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, continuing her dedication to faith and fellowship.
Career and Service
Iris was employed for many years by the late Enrico and Anna Cicero, who became her “extended family”. Their children: Claudia, Maria, Suzanne, Mary Lou, Vickie, Tony, Michael, and Johnny, were considered her own, and they continue to be known as “her children.”
In 1974, Iris began her employment with the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools System. She worked as a custodian at Lafayette High School and later transferred to Jamestown High School. With twenty-seven years of devoted service, she retired from the school system on May 1, 2001, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and care.
Additionally, Iris worked for Mrs. Carol Simmons, her State Farm Insurance Agent, and they continued to form a special friendship and bond that endured through the years until her passing.
Personal Qualities and Passions
Known affectionately as “Poppy” by her family, friends, and co-workers, Iris was a quiet, shy, and loving person. She had a cherished routine during the week, from 12 p.m. until to 2 p.m., she enjoyed her soap operas undisturbed. Iris loved preparing Sunday dinners, welcoming family and friends each week with her home-cooked meals. Her favorite pastime was doing word searches and crossword puzzles, which brought her joy and relaxation.
Family Legacy
Iris was preceded in death by her husband, George O. Johnson; son, James “Pluck” Johnson; great-granddaughter, Amiah Cooper; brothers, Gerald Tyler, James Tyler, and Donald Tyler; and her sisters, Christine Elliott, Regina James, and Evelyn Frazier.
She is survived by her loving children, Randy Tyler (Patrice), Alzinia Hardin (Christopher), George Johnson (Terry), Christine Lipscomb (Reginald), and Maria Cooper (Alvin); her sister, Jacqueline Wynne (Quentin); grandchildren, Stephanie Harding (Terrance), Randy Tyler Jr., Teneasa Brehmeyer (Jesse), Donte Lewis, Tashea Clark (Andre), Reginald Lipscomb II, Sonoma Boykins, and Alvin Cooper Jr. (April); eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; her extended family, Wyoma Carter, Gloria Tyler and Vivian Morgan; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and caring friends.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at Noon on Monday, March 9, 2026, at New Zion Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.
