05/16/2026
Portland Loretta Thomas Johnson, 67, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away
May 11, 2026, at her residence at Solarbron The Terrace.
Portland graduated from Central High School. She worked at the Evansville United Way for several years before going to work at the Evansville State Hospital for 18 years.
She was an avid reader, especially detective novels and historical romances. She thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the Star Trek series, collecting Trekkie memorabilia, shopping, going to the movies and hanging out with her family and friends.
Portland is survived by daughter Tanikia L. Johnson; son Leo L. Johnson III (Heather Day); grandchildren Keosha Byers (Joseph Byers) and Tailan Johnson; great-grandchildren Carmelo Marion, Karmen Marion, Carter Marion, Israel Byers and Joseph Byers II; brothers Mark Thomas, Dennis Thomas and Paul Thomas; sisters Kathleen Wagner and Sunday Thomas; a bonus sister and best friend Yvonne Herring; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Velvet Thomas; sisters Carmaleta Thomas-Brown, Sylvia Thomas, Carlene Hall, Darlene Taylor and Mary Hornbeck; brothers Willie Thomas IV, Johnie Dee Thomas, Pierre Thomas and Jeffery Thomas.
Friends may call Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Osborne Funeral Home at 702 Gum St., followed by services at the funeral home and with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery.
