What Happened to Bumpy Johnson’s Daughters? The Story of Ruthie and Elease Johnson

The daughters of Harlem crime figure Bumpy Johnson have long remained a subject of curiosity, especially among viewers of Godfather of Harlem.

Ruthie Johnson and Elease Johnson largely stayed out of the spotlight despite their father’s notoriety. However, reports indicate that both women died in 2006 — decades after their father’s passing in 1968.

Because public records about their private lives are limited, much of what circulates online blends fact, family accounts, and dramatized television portrayals. Here is what is known.

How Many Children Did Bumpy Johnson Have?

Bumpy Johnson had two biological daughters:

• Ruthie Johnson
• Elease Johnson

Elease was born to Johnson and his wife, Mayme Hatcher. Ruthie is widely reported to have been born from a previous relationship.

What Happened to Ruthie Johnson?

Very little verified information exists about Ruthie Johnson’s life. She lived largely outside of public attention, and few documented interviews or public appearances are available.

Multiple sources state that Ruthie Johnson died in 2006. However, her cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. Unlike her father, whose life was chronicled in books and films, Ruthie’s personal history remains private.

Because of the limited documentation, many online claims about her life cannot be independently verified.

What Happened to Elease Johnson?

Elease Johnson’s life has drawn more attention, partly because of her portrayal in modern television.

She was the daughter of Bumpy Johnson and Mayme Hatcher and grew up during the height of her father’s influence in Harlem. Reports suggest that Elease struggled with personal challenges in adulthood.

Some sources claim she battled substance addiction and later died in 2006 from what has been described as a substance-related heart attack. However, no widely published official death certificate or medical confirmation has been made public. As a result, the exact cause of her death remains unverified.

Was Elease Johnson’s Story Accurate in Godfather of Harlem?

In Godfather of Harlem, Elease is portrayed as battling addiction and facing emotional struggles connected to her father’s criminal world.

However, the series is a dramatized interpretation of real events. While inspired by historical figures, it blends fiction with fact for storytelling purposes.

Her on-screen depiction should not be viewed as a fully documented biography.

Who Is Margaret Johnson?

Margaret Johnson is reported to be Bumpy Johnson’s granddaughter and the daughter of Elease Johnson. Some accounts suggest that due to Elease’s personal struggles, Margaret was raised primarily by Bumpy Johnson and Mayme Hatcher.

Again, documentation on the family’s private life remains limited.

The 2006 Tragedy

According to widely cited reports:

• Ruthie Johnson died in 2006 (cause undisclosed).
• Elease Johnson also died in 2006 (reportedly heart-related, possibly substance-related).

The fact that both daughters passed away in the same year has often been described as a tragic chapter in the Johnson family story. However, detailed public records remain scarce.

The Broader Context: Bumpy Johnson’s Legacy

Bumpy Johnson died of a heart attack on July 7, 1968, at age 62. His life and criminal activities have been extensively documented in books and films, including portrayals by Forest Whitaker.

While Johnson’s legacy in Harlem is debated, his daughters chose largely private lives, avoiding the level of public notoriety attached to their father.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Bumpy Johnson?

Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson was an American organized crime figure who operated primarily in Harlem, New York, during the mid-20th century.

How many biological children did Bumpy Johnson have?

He had two biological daughters: Ruthie Johnson and Elease Johnson.

What was Elease Johnson’s cause of death?

Several sources claim she died in 2006 from a substance-related heart attack, though no widely published official confirmation exists.

What was Ruthie Johnson’s cause of death?

Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Did Bumpy Johnson raise his granddaughter?

Some accounts suggest he helped raise Margaret Johnson, his granddaughter, but detailed public documentation is limited.

The lives of Ruthie and Elease Johnson remain largely private compared to the well-documented story of their father. What is commonly reported is that both daughters died in 2006. Beyond that, confirmed public details are minimal.

As with many families connected to high-profile historical figures, separating fact from dramatization can be challenging. Their story is one marked less by public record and more by unanswered questions.