The Life of Samuel James Johnson Sr.
Samuel James Johnson, Sr. was born on June 17, 1952 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Lonnie Johnson, Sr. and the late Mattie B. Johnson. He was one of twelve children, six brothers and the last living brother of the six. One sister also preceded him in death and today, he is survived by five sisters. After battling with heart disease since the age of six and having been told by doctors that he would not live beyond 23 years old, Sam, was ready for the Lord’s call and departed this life surrounded by his wife, children and other family members on Friday, May 20, 2022. Despite the doctors’ prognosis, our sovereign, merciful and loving God, allowed his time with us beyond what the doctors had said and beckoned Sam home to be with Him for eternal peace and rest according to His timing and will. Sam, as he was known by most, received his education through the Philadelphia Public School System, and graduated from Thomas Edison High School. He was a bright student and his pursuit of knowledge continued with a post high school education while maintaining a steady job. While his background in the workforce varied, his final place of employment was with the City of Philadelphia as a Correctional Officer. He was a hardworking, dedicated officer and honored the oath he had made. Sam married at a young age and from this union was blessed with a daughter, Dorian (Deceased), and a son, Sam Jr. His legacy also includes the blessing of another son and daughter, Jerome and Nyshema. He was blessed as well with a step-son, Darrell Roberts (Deceased). Sam was united in marriage in 1982, to his best friend, the love of his life and soulmate, the former, Elizabeth Pressley. They shared a lifetime of dedication and love together. From their union, the Lord blessed Sam and his beautiful bride with what they thought would be one child. But, the unexpected happened – identical twin baby girls were born, Sharina and Sharone, and the legacy continued. The twins were precious to Sam and he always talked about them. As they got older, everyone knew how proud he was of them and their accomplishments. His heritage further extends to grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he was known to them as Pop-Pop. His granddaughter, Morgan, was always taking his cellphone as if she thought it belonged to her, but, that was her Pop-Pop - so it was okay. Sam influenced all their lives with the knowledge and wisdom he had acquired over years of life’s experiences and lessons he had learned. Sam loved to eat and Liz loved to cook as well as bake. The two of them enjoyed eating out together, from the finest restaurants to the neighborhood diner. Whether it was for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Sam liked eating out. He particularly looked forward to going on a cruise whenever they traveled, among other things, because of the food. It was a good time for him to get away with family and friends. Sam looked forward to his family’s Annual Family Reunions, wherein they traveled to various destinations, and yes, there was plenty of food. Sam was brought up in a Christian home and attended Sunday school and church services regularly with his parents and siblings. However, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour later in life and as a profession of his faith, he became a member and was baptized at Third Christian Church. Sam served in ministry as a trustee while at Third Christian Church and the Children’s Academy implemented at this church was a result of his initiation and vision for a place to educate and enlighten the minds of children. His final Christian journey and destination led him to St. Paul’s Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Leslie Callahan. Sam was a family man which in all likelihood stems from growing up in a big family around loving and caring parents. He loved and learned a lot from his dad who set the tone for family matters in their home and he had the typical bonding love a son has for his mother. His mom had affectionately nicknamed him “Son Boy”, a common cultural name during his childhood years. Sam was indeed someone who would not be easily forgotten by all those who had the wonderful privilege to meet, interact with, and know him. Known for his big striking gap and infectious smile, he had the unique ability to cause others to smile as well - adults and children alike. Sam was exceptionally loyal and someone people could count on; he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a carefree, reserved, quiet, playful, funny, thoughtful and loving person. Some family members have called him cheap, but he was just frugal with money and a very generous, kind-hearted, giving person. Sam was very particular about his clothes and his appearance when he got dressed up; he was a believer that “the clothes make the man.” Also, Sam apparently believed “If you’re on time, you’re late”, because he always showed up for events, gatherings, appointments, etc. well before the scheduled time. Sam had many hobbies and pastimes. Among his many activities, were bowling, tennis, and ping pong. Also, he always looked forward to going on fishing trips with friends and was proud of the fish he caught during those outings. So many of those activities he saw as opportunities for him to hang out with friends and coworkers after work. There were special friends he enjoyed having conversations with – “Plummer”, “Larry”, “Smack”, “Bo”, “Jerome” and “John” and as he would say, “Yo Bull”. Sam also had an appreciation for good movies and documentaries. He was an Eagles and 76ers fan and watched the games whenever they were televised. In the final days of Sam’s life, he did as the Old Testament patriarchs and spoke blessings over his household. He had always encouraged his children to get an education and further expressed, “When God calls me home, Take care of ‘My Baby’ your mother.” As Sam was a loving provider and protective husband and father who was a covering over his family in life, he also presented a covering for them in death. Sam leaves to mourn but cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife and friend of 40 years, Elizabeth Johnson; his children, Jerome Bouie, Samuel James Johnson, Jr., Nyshema Phillips, Sharina Johnson, Sharone Johnson; five sisters, Betty Roberts, Verlean Johnson, Willa Johnson, Eloise McFall (Robert McFall), Cinderella Watson (Lawrence Watson, Jr.); eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; seven godchildren; best friends, Ronald Smack, John Hicks, John Sullivan, Larry Watson, Jerome Diggs and Tony Plummer; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends and special animal daughters, Heaven Johnson and Jade Johnson.
Certainly, Sam will be greatly missed as he was greatly loved!
Lovingly Submitted, The Family