Obituary for Joe Lewis Johnson Sr.
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Joe Lewis Johnson sr. was the firstborn of seven children to Embra and Viola Johnson. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 12th, 1937. During Joe’s childhood he would find himself doing mischievous and somewhat dangerous things, but always found a safe way out. The family moved from Arkansas to Oakland California, at this time Joe decided to join the Airforce at the young age of 18. The recruit was stationed at Andrews Airforce Base more than 3,000 miles away from home on the east coast where he met his life partner.
Joe and Georgia Johnson met in 1958 at Bible Way Church Headquarters in Washington DC after which they courted for a little over a year. The couple decided to marry and did so at the residence of Bishop Smallwood E. Williams on January 20th, 1960. With their union came a bonus child named Daisy who Joe later adopted and raised as his own. On March 1st, 1961 the family of three grew to a family of four when the couple welcomed their first child together Joe L. Johnson jr. In August of the following year, the couple welcomed a baby girl Valinda Johnson to the family. In 1966 the couple purchased their first family home in Maryland.
Joe L. Johnson sr. worked at the library of congress from 1961 until he retired in the early 90s while his wife Georgia Mae Johnson worked as a cosmetologist and later advanced in her academic career and became an RN at NIH. Joe continued to work and do odd jobs to keep himself busy. During the early 1990s, the Johnsons accomplished what many viewed as unattainable for that time; they built a stunning house in Bowie. That house was the couple's pride and joy. Joe spent endless hours studying the bible, reading his massive book collection, caring for the lawn, and practicing his God-given talent of drawing.
The Johnsons were faithful members of True Way Church in Washington DC for over 50 years, where he became a deacon and progressed to minister. Joe continued to age in the very same home which he and his wife built for the remainder of their life together. God called him home on July 17th, 2022. Leaving behind his loving wife of 62 years Georgia Mae Johnson, two children Joe and Valinda Johnson, a daughter-in-law Roberta Roberts-Johnson, grandchildren Shaquita Colclough, Shirleeta Davis, Duane Davis, Gregory Davis, Jamihlia Johnson, and the youngest of the bunch Tajah and Tahir Johnson. He also leaves behind his siblings Jerry Johnson, Fay Blackmon, and also many other beloved family members including cousins, nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and even great, great-grandchildren. Joe made many friends throughout his life, he was a sweet gentle soul that will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace and may his family ensure his memory lives on forever.
To join the service via Zoom , please click here at the time of service
OR
enter this ID and Passcode into your zoom application:
Joe Lewis Johnson sr. was the firstborn of seven children to Embra and Viola Johnson. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 12th, 1937. During Joe’s childhood he would find himself doing mischievous and somewhat dangerous things, but always found a safe way out. The family moved from Arkansas to Oakland California, at this time Joe decided to join the Airforce at the young age of 18. The recruit was stationed at Andrews Airforce Base more than 3,000 miles away from home on the east coast where he met his life partner.
Joe and Georgia Johnson met in 1958 at Bible Way Church Headquarters in Washington DC after which they courted for a little over a year. The couple decided to marry and did so at the residence of Bishop Smallwood E. Williams on January 20th, 1960. With their union came a bonus child named Daisy who Joe later adopted and raised as his own. On March 1st, 1961 the family of three grew to a family of four when the couple welcomed their first child together Joe L. Johnson jr. In August of the following year, the couple welcomed a baby girl Valinda Johnson to the family. In 1966 the couple purchased their first family home in Maryland.
Joe L. Johnson sr. worked at the library of congress from 1961 until he retired in the early 90s while his wife Georgia Mae Johnson worked as a cosmetologist and later advanced in her academic career and became an RN at NIH. Joe continued to work and do odd jobs to keep himself busy. During the early 1990s, the Johnsons accomplished what many viewed as unattainable for that time; they built a stunning house in Bowie. That house was the couple's pride and joy. Joe spent endless hours studying the bible, reading his massive book collection, caring for the lawn, and practicing his God-given talent of drawing.
The Johnsons were faithful members of True Way Church in Washington DC for over 50 years, where he became a deacon and progressed to minister. Joe continued to age in the very same home which he and his wife built for the remainder of their life together. God called him home on July 17th, 2022. Leaving behind his loving wife of 62 years Georgia Mae Johnson, two children Joe and Valinda Johnson, a daughter-in-law Roberta Roberts-Johnson, grandchildren Shaquita Colclough, Shirleeta Davis, Duane Davis, Gregory Davis, Jamihlia Johnson, and the youngest of the bunch Tajah and Tahir Johnson. He also leaves behind his siblings Jerry Johnson, Fay Blackmon, and also many other beloved family members including cousins, nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and even great, great-grandchildren. Joe made many friends throughout his life, he was a sweet gentle soul that will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace and may his family ensure his memory lives on forever.