North Carolina loses two public servants on election day

During the reporting of results of Tuesday’s primary election, news spread late Tuesday evening that State Rep. Ralph Johnson (District 58) of Greensboro and former State Senator Earlene Parmon of Winston Salem died.

Johnson, who was in his first term as a state representative from Guilford County died from complications due to a stroke which occurred in late February. Prior to his stroke, Johnson had been campaigning for re-election to the N.C. House. He was defeated Tuesday by Amos Quick, current vice-chairman of the Guilford County School Board, who garnered 72 percent of the vote.

In a press release Johnson’s campaign manager, Katina Amadi remembered the good work Johnson did for his community and for the residents of Guilford County. She wrote, “Representative Johnson was a dedicated public servant who loved God, his family, and his community. Representative Johnson was an instrumental leader in the Concerned Citizens of Northeast Greensboro, for which he served as co-chair for five years. It is without a doubt that serving the people of his district was by far the greatest treasure of his life.”

Ralph Johnson was a native of New York City. He came to North Carolina to attend North Carolina A&T State University, earning a degree in business. Johnson was semi-retired from the home-improvement business. He was single with no children.

During his first political campaign for office a year and a half ago, Johnson said he wanted to run because he was concerned about how the community that he lived in was being treated. He successfully won election in the fall of 2014 succeeding former State Rep. Alma Adams, who now serves in the U.S. Congress representing the 12th District.

Adams released the following statement on the passing of North Carolina State House Representative Ralph Johnson:

“My heart is reeling from loss. Last night, my dear friend Ralph Johnson passed away. He was genuine and very supportive. He loved his community and fought for them every step of the way, which is why I was proud to see him take the reins to serve North Carolina’s 58th House District. Ralph was truly a servant leader who stayed involved and committed to the least of these. Ralph served Guilford well – the same way he went about serving others throughout his lifetime.”

Johnson’s family will announce arrangements and services once details are finalized. Condolences can be sent to 2402 Bothwell Street, Greensboro, 27401.

Earline Parmon, Forsyth County’s first African American state senator[/caption]On Tuesday, the Triad also lost Earline Parmon, Forsyth County’s first African American state senator. She was 72-years old. Sources say the dedicated public servant died at Forsyth Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Parmon, a Democrat, served 12 years on the Forsyth County board of Commissioners. She also served in the N.C. House for 10 years and was elected to the North Carolina Senate (District 72) in 2012. She resigned in January 2015 from the N.C. Senate and recently worked as the outreach director for U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-12.

Adams said the following in a statement:

“Today, one of my closest confidants, colleagues and a true friend, Earline Parmon, departed this life. My heart is broken and I know her passing will be felt in Winston-Salem, Greensboro and throughout the entire state of North Carolina.

“Earline Parmon was the true definition of a public servant. She dedicated her life to fighting for justice and fighting for our communities. From her work on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners and in the North Carolina General Assembly, to her most recent service on behalf of North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District, Earline Parmon has left an undeniable mark on North Carolinians across the state. She was loving, she was kind, she was respected, she broke barriers and she was inspirational. Earline Parmon was an obedient lover of the Lord and his blessings in her life could be seen through her positive spirit and joyous energy.

“I will never forget Earline Parmon’s warmth and her steadfast advocacy for the voiceless in our communities. My prayers will continue to flow for her children, her grandchildren, and all of her family and friends. I am forever grateful for her presence in my life; the world is a richer place for her having been in it. The legacy she established will continue to live on.”

Funeral arrangements for Parmon are pending.