UPDATE: At the request of her family, Agatha Johnson’s celebration of life will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022 at William & Mary’s Alumni House. The original message included a noon start time. The time has been updated below.

William & Mary Chief Operating Officer Amy Sebring sent the following message to the campus community on July 18, 2022. – Ed.

Colleagues,

I write today to share the sad news of the passing of Agatha Elizabeth Johnson. Agatha, a cherished colleague to many at William & Mary, passed away July 6, 2022, in Newport News, VA, at the age of 52. Daughter of the late Clifton Johnson and Fay Johnson, Ms. Johnson was born July 27, 1969, in Walkers Wood, St. Ann, Jamaica. She attended Kingdom Life Christian Church in Williamsburg and was for 15 years a valued part of that close community of fellowship and worship. 

Ms. Johnson was known by many at William & Mary and in Williamsburg as a wise, warm, and trusted colleague. Her career in hospitality included the Williamsburg Inn, Aramark, Sodexo, and the William & Mary President’s Office. A vital member of the president’s office team, she was a respected partner to two presidents, their spouses and families, the Chancellor, members of the Board of Visitors and colleagues in many roles across the university. 

At William & Mary, Ms. Johnson set the university standard for hospitality, managing events small and large for visiting dignitaries, locals, and long-time friends of the university. She hosted with insight, patience, and an eagle eye. She made everyone who knew her and worked with her feel welcome – embodying William & Mary’s core values of belonging and excellence every day.  

In addition to her mother, Fay, Ms. Johnson is survived by her daughter, Moya Breakcliffe, and eight siblings. These include her six sisters – Marcia, Freda, Michelle and Melody Johnson, Charmaine Johnson Brown, and Marlene Johnson Hunter – and her two brothers, Harold and Trevor Johnson. Agatha will be buried next to her father in Walkers Woods, St. Ann, Jamaica, surrounded by her devoted family and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.  

William & Mary and Sodexo will together host a celebration of Agatha Johnson’s life on Friday, July 29, 2022. All colleagues who wish to commemorate her life and work at the university are invited to gather at the William & Mary Alumni House, beginning at 3 p.m., for a program followed by refreshments. Condolences may be sent to Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185.

Sincerely,

Amy Sebring

Chief Operating Officer