Alma, commonly known as Paulette, was born to Paul Smith and Ednerene Bowles-Smith on September 6, 1949. She graduated from Spalding High School in Chicago, IL, and later attended Judson Christian University in Elgin, IL.

She married her husband of 46 years, Rene Johnson, and two children were born of this union.

Alma enjoyed her career at John Farren Fine Arts of Chicago, as the school's secretary. In her spare time, she was a devoted member of the Bible Study Telephone Prayer Line. Alma grew up in the church and was a long-standing member of Beth Eden Baptist Church of Chicago where she sang with the Wooten Choral Ensemble.

Alma was full of life. She was greatly loved by everyone that was blessed with her presence. She was a warm hug, an ear to listen, a cheerleader and supporter, or a shoulder to cry on. Alma was always ready with a hot meal, words of wisdom, and the perfect bible verse that would warm the soul. Alma would light up any room she entered and could Chicago Step circles around the best of them. While she battled many health issues her entire life she somehow still managed to be best known for incomparable genuine kindness and endearing care of others.

Alma is preceded in passing by her parents Paul and Ednerene; Rene Johnson (husband); Keenan Brandon (son); Russell Smith Jr (nephew).

She is survived by her only sibling, brother Russell Smith; her children Shawn Johnson and Vikkeda Johnson; Grandchildren Tiah (Jordon) Handley, India (David) Smith, Cameron Cleveland, Anthony (Lauren) Johnson,  Amber Brandon, Abrielle Cleveland, Gabrielle (Travion) Clark, Mycheal Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Deziah' Cash, DeShawn Johnson; and Great-grandchildren Mercedez Handley, Jordan Handley, Kaylon Handley, Kaleb Handley, Jada Faye Johnson, and David Eugene Smith IV; nieces and nephews and many friends.

Thank you all so much for your love and support during our time of bereavement. We appreciate all of your prayers, flowers, and thoughts for our family.  As she will be missed by many, we say Thank You! ~ The Family ~