The Life of Elease Johnson: Childhood, Family, and Struggles of Bumpy Johnson’s Daughter
Elease Johnson lived a quiet life away from the public eye, but her story remains important because of her famous father. She was the daughter of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, one of the most powerful crime bosses in Harlem’s history. While her father became known as the “Godfather of Harlem,” Elease faced many personal struggles that shaped her life. Her story shows the difficult side of growing up in the shadow of a famous criminal.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elease Johnson (sometimes called Elise) |
| Father | Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson |
| Mother | Unknown (not Mayme Hatcher) |
| Stepmother | Mayme Hatcher Johnson |
| Half-Sister | Ruthie Johnson |
| Daughter | Margaret Johnson |
| Death | 2006 (same year as her sister) |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack related to drug use |
Who Was Elease Johnson?
Elease Johnson was born to Bumpy Johnson from a relationship he had before marrying his wife, Mayme Hatcher, in 1948. While details about her birth date and early childhood are not widely known, we know she grew up in Harlem, New York, during a time when her father controlled much of the neighborhood’s criminal activities.
Her father, Bumpy Johnson, earned his nickname from a bump on the back of his head when he was a child. He rose to power in the 1930s and became one of Harlem’s most respected and feared crime bosses. He worked with famous mobsters and built a strong reputation in the illegal gambling business.
Growing Up in Bumpy Johnson’s Shadow
Growing up as the daughter of a crime boss came with both good and bad experiences. Elease enjoyed a comfortable life with nice things and financial security. Her father made sure his family had everything they needed. However, life was not easy for her.
Being connected to such a famous criminal made it hard for Elease to live a normal life. According to several reports, her father’s criminal record prevented her from getting higher education. This was a major setback that affected her future opportunities.
The constant fear and danger that came with her father’s lifestyle also took a toll on Elease. She grew up watching her father deal with enemies, police investigations, and time in prison. Bumpy Johnson spent 15 years in prison starting in 1952 on drug conspiracy charges, including time at the famous Alcatraz prison.
Elease’s Personal Struggles
Elease Johnson faced serious personal problems during her life. She became addicted to drugs, which affected her ability to care for herself and her family. The pain of living with her father’s reputation and the difficulties she faced pushed her toward substance abuse.
To support her addiction, Elease turned to shoplifting. She was known in her community for these activities, which brought her into trouble with the law several times. Her addiction controlled her life for many years and prevented her from being the mother she wanted to be.
These struggles show how the children of famous criminals often suffer in ways the public doesn’t see. While her father was celebrated as a Harlem hero by some, Elease dealt with the dark side of that legacy.
Family Life and Relationships
Elease had a daughter named Margaret Johnson. However, because of her drug addiction, Elease could not properly care for her child. This was one of the saddest parts of her life – she loved her daughter but couldn’t provide for her.
Bumpy Johnson and his wife Mayme stepped in to help. They raised Margaret as their own daughter, giving her a good life with private school education and expensive gifts. Margaret never lacked anything growing up, even though she was actually Bumpy’s granddaughter.
Margaret later shared that she learned math by counting her grandfather’s illegal gambling money. She helped him with his business calculations, showing the close bond they shared. Despite the unusual circumstances, the family remained connected.
Margaret Johnson became known as the “Annie Oakley of Harlem” after she shot a man who tried to rob her while she was in a wheelchair in 2006. She lived until 2016, passing away at age 66, and was survived by her son Anthony Hatcher Johnson.
Connection to Malcolm X
There have been rumors about a romantic relationship between Elease Johnson and the famous civil rights leader Malcolm X. These stories became more popular because of the TV series “Godfather of Harlem,” which showed them having a love affair.
In real life, Bumpy Johnson and Malcolm X were friends. They knew each other during the 1940s when Malcolm was still a street hustler in Harlem. Bumpy offered Malcolm protection after he left the Nation of Islam.
However, there is no solid proof that Elease and Malcolm X were ever romantically involved. Malcolm X was married to Betty Shabazz, and most historians believe the romantic connection with Elease was created for the TV show to make it more interesting.
Life in Harlem
Elease lived most of her life in Harlem, the same neighborhood where her father built his empire. Harlem in the mid-1900s was a place full of energy, culture, and also crime. It was home to the Harlem Renaissance, jazz music, and African American culture, but it also struggled with poverty and gang violence.
During this time, crime bosses like Bumpy Johnson held significant power. They controlled illegal businesses but also helped their communities in some ways. Bumpy was known for his charitable work and protecting Harlem residents from outside gangs.
Growing up in this environment meant Elease saw both the good and bad sides of her neighborhood. She witnessed her father’s power and respect but also the violence and danger that came with it.
Her Father’s Death and Legacy
Bumpy Johnson died on July 7, 1968, from a heart attack while eating breakfast at Wells Restaurant in Harlem. He was 62 years old. At the time of his death, he was facing federal charges that could have sent him back to prison for life.
After her father’s death, Elease continued to struggle with her addiction. She lived a private life, staying away from the media and public attention. Unlike her father, who was constantly in the news, Elease kept to herself.
The legacy of Bumpy Johnson continued through books, movies, and TV shows. His wife, Mayme Hatcher Johnson, wrote a biography called “Harlem Godfather” in 2008 to share the real story of her husband. Mayme wanted people to know the truth about Bumpy beyond the myths and legends.
The End of Elease’s Life
Elease Johnson passed away in 2006, the same year as her half-sister Ruthie Johnson. While no official death certificate has been made public, several sources report that she died from a heart attack caused by a drug overdose.
Her death marked the end of Bumpy Johnson’s direct family line, nearly 40 years after his own death. Both daughters died relatively young, showing the tragic consequences that can affect the families of those involved in crime.
Ruthie Johnson’s cause of death remains unknown, with very few details available about her life or passing. Both sisters lived quietly, avoiding the spotlight that followed their famous father.
Conclusion
Elease Johnson’s life was marked by both privilege and struggle. As the daughter of Harlem’s most famous crime boss, she enjoyed material comforts but faced enormous personal challenges. Her battle with drug addiction and her inability to care for her daughter show the hidden costs of growing up in a criminal family. Though she lived quietly away from the spotlight, Elease’s story remains an important part of Harlem’s history and her father’s complicated legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Elease Johnson’s father?
Elease Johnson’s father was Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, a famous crime boss who controlled much of Harlem’s criminal activities during the 1930s to 1960s. He was known as the “Godfather of Harlem.”
2. What happened to Elease Johnson?
Elease Johnson died in 2006 from a heart attack that was reportedly caused by drug use. She struggled with addiction throughout her life, which affected her health and her ability to care for her daughter.
3. Did Elease Johnson have any children?
Yes, Elease had a daughter named Margaret Johnson. However, because of her drug addiction, Elease could not care for Margaret properly. Her parents, Bumpy and Mayme Johnson, raised Margaret as their own daughter.
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