Dr. Jamila Irons-Johnson

Type of Donation:       organs and tissue

Age and Location:      Age 35 - West Orange, NJ

Donation Date:           1/24/2013

Sponsor:                      Honored by NJ Sharing Network

JAMILA’S STORY

Dr. Jamila Elisa Irons-Johnson was a beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, psychologist and friend to many. Her life started on November 18, 1977, in Newark, NJ and ended unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm on January 24, 2013. But between the beginning and end, Jamila's life was full of love, joy, and resilience. She wasn't the loudest person in the room but her gorgeous presence was a force to be reckoned with. She was an overachiever that had a protective, loving energy.

Jamila's early life was spent in West Orange, New Jersey with her mom, dad, and 3 younger sisters. In her later years, Jamila married the love of her life and had two beautiful children. She went to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where she obtained a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (Psy. D). She received many accolades and awards for her outstanding academic performance in both her undergraduate and graduate studies. Jamila's passion for children compelled her to choose a career that would safeguard children. This she did serving as the

Director of Mental Health Services for the Dorothy B. Hersh Child Protection Center at Saint Peter's Hospital in New Brunswick. Dr. Jamila Irons-Johnson, through this organization, advocated for and evaluated abused children and assessed their families. But her work was beyond her degrees and accolades, she changed and saved the lives of her patients. As one of her patients said, "Dr. Irons- Johnson saved my life. I would no longer be here if it weren't for her."

Jamila's abundant love, calm, quiet, yet forceful spirit, was evident to her parents from the time she entered the world. Family and friends saw these qualities reflected in the remarkable woman she became. Even after her death she continued to save lives by donating her heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and liver. She was constantly giving her heart to the world and while her life was cut short, her fierce spirit lives on forever.