Dr. Alice Sonja Johnson Hilfiker

Dr. Alice Sonja Johnson Hilfiker took her last breath in the early hours of Sunday, June 6, 2021 at the age of 91--an age not reflective of the youthful spirit she exemplified throughout her illustrious life and career. She was a paragon of the human spirit and leaves an indelible legacy as a professor, a nurse, an administrator, a wife, a stepmother, a sister, a daughter, a godmother, and unconditional friend whose love touched the lives of so many who had crossed her path. 

Alice, the eldest child of Edna Ferguson Johnson and Fletcher James Johnson, Sr., was born in Morristown, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Hilfiker; her infant baby sister, Evelyn; her parents, Fletcher James Johnson, Sr. and Edna Ferguson Johnson; her brother, Dr. Fletcher James Johnson, Jr.; her brother, David Johnson; and goddaughter, Linda Alford-Moore.

Alice was a 1947 graduate of Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, New Jersey. She was the first African American student to obtain a classic high school degree (the ability to read, write and speak Latin). Also, during her formative years, Alice received her early Christian training at First Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey. Upon leaving high school, Alice became an R.N. after she acquired her diploma from Freedman’s School of Nursing. She was one of the top two in her class--ultimately, leading to a job offer. From there, she obtained her B.S. in Nursing from The Catholic University of America; then her Masters in Psychiatric Nursing at University of Maryland--leading to another job as an instructor and then later as a professor.

Alice then returned to The Catholic University of America and earned her Doctorate in Philosophy. Dr. Hilfiker had a long and accomplished career, in which she was highly sought after—bringing her a tremendous source of pride. She worked at such institutions as George Mason University, University of Maryland and Howard University. The highlight was her tenure as the Director of Nursing at Freedman’s Hospital--overseeing the transition to Howard University Hospital, along with best friend and former student, Evelyn Lloyd. It was in this role, where she was instrumental in achieving accreditation for both hospitals.

Alice’s passions and hobbies were as storied and extensive as her career. She loved to travel, including an extensive solo trip she took to the Middle East in the 70s. Alice also loved animals (with dogs and owls topping the list); music (especially country music); gardening; researching (almost everything); dancing (aka doing the jitterbug); horseback riding; roller skating (especially with her goddaughter, Shana, when she was little); and debating with her godson, Jullian. She was also an accomplished seamstress, fashion designer, and avid painter.

Alice is survived by her stepdaughter Karen Shazer (Jeffrey) of Virginia; devoted best friend, Evelyn Lloyd of Maryland; goddaughter, Shana Lloyd of California; godson, Julian Lloyd of Maryland; brother, Alexander Johnson (Evetta) New Jersey; twins: sister, Dr. Ruth Ellen Johnson of Pennsylvania and brother, Coach Robert H. Johnson of Indiana; sister-in-law, Jeanne Johnson of California; sister-in-law, Constance Johnson of New Jersey; aunt, Loretta Ferguson of Pennsylvania; devoted caretakers, Agnes Kiganda and Skarlet Castro; many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grand nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Despite her departure from this Earth, Alice’s philanthropic and teaching spirit lives on. She spent this lifetime challenging the hearts and minds of so many folks--particularly, young people. This is her legacy and greatest gift. She was also a forever-student of the world. As Henry Ford said, “The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” And she did just that...until the end.

Alice will be interred (and reunited with her love) on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 in a private ceremony. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart

Association in Alice’s name: https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/FunRaiser/General?px=21948282&pg=personal&fr_id=3930

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