Cecil G. Johnston

Cecil Gilmore Johnston, Jr. was born in Baltimore, MD on December 3, 1954. He was the only son born to the union of Cecil Gilmore Johnston, Sr. and Dorothy Davis Johnston. He passed away into God’s heavenly kingdom on Monday, November 10, 2014. Cecil Johnston, fondly know as “Cecil Bee”, was beloved son, cousin, and friend. He loved cars and building model airplanes that he could fly. He shared his love of cars with his father. As a young child, Cecil was bright, inquisitive and full of energy. During his summer visits to New Jersey to visit his cousins, his Aunt Barbara would say, in a loving way that Cecil would come and turn the house upside down with his busyness. During one summer visit to New Jersey, Cecil Bee said to his Aunt Barbara and Uncle Burnett that someone was at the door to see them. Low and behold, Cecil had been outside firing his cousin’s BB gun and it was the Elizabeth police department knocking at the door. Cecil was educated in the Baltimore at the St. Andrew’s School and graduated from Baltimore City College High School in 1973, where he played high school football. Cecil had many friends, including Thomasina “Tommy” Stith, Gregory “Will” Willoughby, Rev. Augdon Jones and Danny Rutherford. Cecil was loved by all his friends. His house was the center of the neighborhood and they all came to play cards and backgammon or to listen to all types of music, whether it be Funk, Rock or Jazz. At Cecil’s house, you could always come to listen to something “new” and he and his friends would jam, jam, jam! After high school, he attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Tuskegee, Alabama for a short time and completed coursework at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. He worked as a Map Drawer, which was very meticulous work. It was during his time at Tuskegee that he was involved in a major car accident which left him paralyzed, without use of his legs and wheelchair bound for the rest of his life. Although wheelchair bound, he continued to drive and had vehicles that were hand operated. For many years he continued to be active. He took Thomasina’s son, Ivan under his wing because they both loved race cars. They had a special bond. His friends remained committed to him until his passing, picking him up and taking him to plays and activities around Baltimore. His mother remained faithful and dedicated to him, visiting him often, until her passing a few months ago. Cecil was predeceased by both his parents, Dorothy Johnston and Cecil Johnston, Sr., that loved him dearly and unconditionally. He leaves to cherish his uncle, Burnett A. Davis, Jr. of Elizabeth, Barry Hampton of Baltimore who always looked after him in Baltimore, a host of cousins, and life-long and devoted friends. His heart was big and he blessed each of us in different ways. Cecil could make a friend anywhere, anytime. He was always good with people. He will live forever in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace Cecil.

Tributes

Cecil G. Johnston

December 3, 1954 - November 10, 2014