Services set for Cleo Johnson, founder of modeling school

Founder of the famed Cleo Johnson’s School of Charm and Modeling will be eulogized March 18 at 11 a.m. at Provident Missionary Baptist Church, 8401 S. Ashland.

Founder of the famed Cleo Johnson’s School of Charm and Modeling will be eulogized March 18 at 11 a.m. at Provident Missionary Baptist Church, 8401 S. Ashland. Johnson, often referred to as “Chicago’s First Lady of Fashion,” died March 8 in her South Side home, niece Wyoming Kelley told the Defender. Her age was not disclosed. The Loulin, Miss. native opened the school nearly 55 years ago, which has been a fixture at 8443 S. Cottage Grove for decades. The epitome of etiquette, grace and style, Johnson  is internationally known as an icon and has guided the careers of hundreds who have excelled in the business, entertainment, community relations and media industries.  Her roster included the late songstress Minnie Riperton and former U.S. Representative Cardiss Collins. “She changed the lives of countless students. She’s empowered African-American women and men since the 1950s to take command of every situation, whether it was in the boardroom or at the breakfast table. Her legacy will be remembered as she lived to help others see in themselves what God created them to be,” Kelley spoke of her aunt. Copyright 2011 Chicago Defender

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