Erica with her son Mustafa and daughter Elizabeth at Siloah Lutheran.
It took some time and convincing, but in February, checking service manager Erica Johnson was finally recognized as a trailblazer.
“I’d turned it down several times,” she says of the annual Trailblazer Award, which Siloah Lutheran Church’s gospel choir gives to members of the congregation for their ongoing service. She prefers to let others shine. “But they kind of twisted my arm.”
It was certainly time. Erica has been a member of the Milwaukee church since 1991, and her service comes in many different forms. She and her late husband, Fred, operated Sunshine Catering until his death in 2005 and routinely prepared the food for large church events.
“I still cook for the church from time to time, but it’s on a lower scale,” she says — a few dozen people, rather than hundreds. She adds that she and her family received the Trailblazer Award at the 33rd annual Black History Sunday celebration and fundraiser dinner for the choir on February 24, but that she got to relax a little that night. “They sent me out of the kitchen!”
The award.
As the choir’s treasurer, she did, however, have to order the plaque and flowers for her own award, she notes with a chuckle.
“Because of my financial background, I usually serve as treasurer of the church organizations I’m part of. They feel confident having me handle the money,” she says. Indeed, Pastor Brady Coleman calls her “a key component of Siloah’s Finance Committee.”
“She distinguishes herself from many others with her jovial personality and humble spirit,” Pastor Coleman said. “I’ve personally experienced the kindness, warmth, and generosity that Erica exhibits, and am grateful to be able to call her a friend.”
“Different people serve different ways. It’s just like at a job — you need everybody for different parts and positions,” says Erica, who is also a reporter for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society. “Whatever somebody’s talents are, they’re recognized for providing them to the church.”
A tenor, she joined Siloah Lutheran largely so she could be part of the choir. “I came to visit all the time to hear the choir sing,” she says. Her daughter Elizabeth also sings in the approximately 15-person choir, and her son Mustafa used to. Both children also serve the church in other ways, as well.
Erica estimates she devotes at least 20 hours a month to Siloah, and quite a bit more at the start of the year, when planning the Black History Sunday dinner, comparing it to a wedding. “That’s the only other place you’ll find me, besides the bank. Next year will be a little easier, because I won’t have to worry about how I look,” she jokes. This year, she was glad to invite Jude Lengell, VP, customer support, and Lyneen Fischer, VP and security/payments manager, to see her receive the award. “They got to see I’m not playing when I say I have to get out of here at the end of the day!”
“It was an honor to see Erica and her family receive this great recognition for all they do to share their talents and serve others,” Jude says. “We are equally appreciative for the great service and support she has provided over the last 30-plus years and continues to provide in her role here at North Shore Bank.”
Congratulations Erica! You certainly deserve that award!
Congratulations, Erica and kids! This honor is well-deserved.
Erica, you are amazing!
You are an amazing woman. Congratulations!
Congrats; such an amazing honor for such an amazing woman!
Outstanding Erica …. you are also a “Trailblazer” for NSB and we appreciate all you do for everyone! Congratulations !
What an amazing award for an amazing person! Congrats!
Congratulations, Johnson Family! Fred is so proud.
You, my friend are a “Trailblazer” in everything that you do. It is a privilege (no pun intended) and an honor to be on this journey with you.
Love you all,
Nikki
Wow. Well deserved. Congratulations.
Congratulations Erica! You are amazing :) What a beautiful picture of you and your beautiful children!
THANK YOU for blessing all of us in your life.!! Well deserved award, and Great Family picture.!!
Congratulations to you and your family Erica! You truly are a giving person. Best wishes.
Congratulations Erica! You really put your heart into everything you do!
Mrs. Johnson congratulations to you and your family for the remarkable work in the church. I want to thank you for all that you do for all of us here at North Shore Bank it means so much to me to have your full support. You have a really giving heart well deserved and you are truly a “TrailBlazer” in everything that you do. I love you and thank you for just being you!
Congratulations Erica. What an amazing honor!
This is wonderful Congratulations to you and your family!
Congratulations Erica and family. What a special and deserving honor. You are such an amazing person!!
Congratulations Erica to you and your children! You use the gifts God has blessed you with in so many great ways!
Congratulations! Thank you for doing what you do!
THANK YOU ALL FOR SUCH WONDERFUL COMMENTS. I CONSIDER MYSELF BLESSED BY YOUR WORDS.
ERICA JOHNSON