Reverend Connie LaRue was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is the fifth child born to Harold Lewis Sr. and Bernice Smith. Rev. Johnson has provided leadership and service for ten years to the congregation of Pleasant Hill Victory A.M.E. Church where she presently serves on the Ministerial Staff as an ordained Elder.

Rev. Johnson earned her Bachelor of Arts of Religious Studies in 2014 from Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, GA.  

In 2015, she established and is the, CEO & Founder of Gladness Bible Institute, in Atlanta, GA.  We equip Ministry Leaders, using Biblical Doctrine, and the Holy Scripture inspired by God as a curriculum, offering universal material by all Dominations. 

In 2014 she received Teachers Diploma, and in recognition is permanently approved for teaching the Certificate Biblical Courses. approved through ETA (Evangelical Training Association) since 1930. Several students have received the credit courses in approved Biblical Studies.

Rev. Johnson graduated from Draughon Business College, with a degree in Business
Administration. She worked for AT&T as an Administrative Support specialist, Computer Operator, and Accounting for 20 years. Later, she worked for Land America Commercial Service, for seven years in Atlanta, GA as an Administrative Title Support Assistance.

In 1998, she received her Certification as a Life/Coach Work Planner, from the University of Texas at Dallas TX, School of Management Development Programs. She is certified by the Client Specific Computer Solutions to teach Microsoft Word, Excel/PowerPoint. She is also certified by the Hillside Therapeutic Foster Care as a model approach partnership in parenting Atlanta. In 1993, Rev. Johnson became licensed as a Master Barber from State Barber College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She later attended Dudley’s Cosmetology University and currently is a member of the University Alumni Association. In addition, to her professional accomplishments during her leisure time, she completed acting courses at Introduction to TV Commercials offered by KD studio in Dallas Texas. She had several interviews on the radio station in Oklahoma City as spokesperson. She had the opportunity to teach classes on the book of Revelations: teach Microsoft to the incarcerated, while living in Dallas. While living in Oklahoma City, she served as President of “The Women’s Day Program” at Tabernacle Baptist Church and raised $15,000 in 1999 on a special project. Connie has produced a “CD” label Kingdom Teaching’s Inspirations.