Lillie Johnson

Lillie Johnson, (16 March 1922 – 10 August 2025) was a Jamaican-Canadian nurse and public health advocate. Recognized as the first Black Director of Public Health in Ontario, Johnson's work focused on advocating for patients with sickle cell disease.

Early life Johnson was born in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, the third of nine siblings. She began her career as an elementary school teacher. Johnson migrated to Ontario, Canada in 1960 to work as a nurse after practicing in England, Jamaica and America.

Johnson became the Director of Nursing Services at Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit in Brockville, Ontario.

In 2015, Johnson was a torchbearer for the 2015 Pan American Games held in Toronto, Ontario.

Death Johnson died on 10 August 2025, at the age of 103.