Obituary for Willie C Johnson
WILLIE C. JOHNSON JR
AUSTINTOWN – Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at the World Fellowship Interdenominational Church, 494 W. Dewey Ave. for Mr. Willie C. Johnson Jr. 70. “God looked down on His Earth and saw that one of His children needed rest.” On Aug. 29, 2012, Willie C. “Pete” Johnson Jr. departed this life at Salem Community Hospital in a peaceful sleep.
Willie was one of four children, born June 13, 1942, in Cheraw, S.C., son of Willie and Laura Singleton Johnson Sr. At an early age, his family moved to Baltimore. The family joined Pennsylvania AME Zion Church.
After high school graduation, Willie joined the U.S. Air Force, after 15 years of service, he retired with disability.
In 1972, Willie united in marriage with his wife, the former Josephine Harris, in his family’s church.
He attended Morgan State University and the University of Baltimore with a major in Business Administration. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and later worked for Amtrak/Conrail as a conductor and fireman for 20 years.
After retirement, Willie and Josephine established a small assisted living facility, this is where he realized his passion. Willie enjoyed encouraging, caring and ministering to others who needed a home and a loving family. In 2004, Willie and Josephine moved to Austintown to establish their retirement residence. They joined the World Fellowship Interdenominational Church, the Rev. McCulloh, Pastor. Willie was a member of the adult choir and participated in and enjoyed supporting church activities. He loved the Lord and had a desire to serve God in the ministry of counseling. Just prior to learning about his illness, Willie acquired his education in theology by computer through the Liberty Christian University Program.
At the closing of his life, Willie leaves to cherish his memory, his dedicated and loving wife of 40 years, the former Josephine Harris of Austintown; one sister, Janet (Larry) Bryant of Baltimore, who represents a host of nieces, nephews and cousins in Maryland, with Neil Singleton being his last remaining uncle and family; mother-in-law, Juanita Sharper; sisters-in-law, Juanita Holloway and Lyneice L. Sharper; brothers-in-law, Ronald Harris and Jerry (Juanita) Sharper, all of Youngstown, and Jerome (Cathy) of Erie, Pa.;and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
Willie was preceded in death by his loving parents; a daughter, Anneka Johnson; and brothers, Franklin and Charles Johnson, all of Baltimore.
Friends may call one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church with the funeral service starting at 11 a.m.
Arrangements entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rev. Elizabeth Powell Scholarship Fund at the church