# Sister Johnson — Not Without Laughter character guide

> Sister Johnson in Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Johnson

**First appearance:** 0001-ii-conversation

## Who they are

A gossipy neighbor and church member in the community.

## In the story

### [VII: White Folks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/chapters/vii-white-folks)

Visits from next door, tells the story of being driven out of Mississippi by whites after Black prosperity, and criticizes modern churches for focusing on money.

### [XII: Hard Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/chapters/xii-hard-winter)

Helps Hager with ironing and discusses community hardships.

### [Nothing but Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/chapters/xvi-nothing-but-love)

Visits occasionally to sit and smoke with Hager and Sandy.

### [Children's Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/chapters/xviii-children-s-day)

Sister Johnson is angry about the children's rejection, calling the white park owners 'crackers' and 'devils.' She is mentioned as being under the weather in Annjee's letter.

### [Note to Harriett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/chapters/xxi-note-to-harriett)

Helps care for Aunt Hager, administering medicine and hot-water bottles.

### [Beyond the Jordan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/chapters/xxii-beyond-the-jordan)

Helps with the funeral and comforts Sandy.

### [Chicago](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/chapters/xxviii-chicago)

Visited by Sandy before his departure; shares local gossip and news about Willie-Mae and others.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/characters/sister_johnson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/not_without_laughter_se/characters