John Ernest Johnson

John Ernest Johnson Jr. was born on August 28, 1920 to the late Frances and John Ernest Johnson. God called his humble servant home to rest on May 18, 2006. Ernest began his Christian education at Bethel A.M.E in Chestertown, Md. After moving to Baltimore, he joined Cherry Hill Community Presbyterian Church. In 1980, he returned to his roots and joined Hemingway Temple A.M.E. Church where he was a faithful member until he was too ill to attend. Ever thirsty for education, he attended the public schools of Chestertown, Md. graduating from Garnett High School. Ernest answered his first call to service by entering The United States Army and attained the rank of Sgt. before being discharged in 1946. The thirst for education was still strong, after being discharged from the Army he entered Princess Anne College (now UMES) and received his degree in 1950. He continued his quest by taking additional classes at Morgan State University. Ernest was joined in holy matrimony to Alverta Franklin on June 8, 1950. From this union two children were born, Michael (who preceded him in death) and Yvonne Denise Johnson. Ernest was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years before retiring in 1980. After retiring he and his wife opened the doors of their home to children in need of love and caring by becoming foster parents. Over the years, 65 children called him Daddy. His interests included reading the newspaper, watching TV (news and sports), politics, entertaining, and travel. Talking to others was his favorite pastime (which all of his children inherited). Every conversation with him was an educational experience. No one was a stranger in his eyes, just people he had not met. Organizations benefiting from his wisdom and leadership skills include Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Prince Hall Masonic Lodge Tuscan #90, Cherry Hill Coordinating Council, United Presbyterian Men, Communities Working Together, Cheraton, Hill-view, and Terra Firma Rd. (CHAT) Association, Share Food Program, Trustee Board at both Hemingway Temple A.M.E. Church and the Cherry Hill Community Presbyterian Church, Male Chorus and the Rev. Michael E. Johnson Scholarship Fund. Cherishing his memories are his devoted wife Alverta, three daughters- June Lomax, Denise Johnson and Henrietta Herbert,. two sisters-Ms. Barbara Molock and Ms. Ethel Hubbard, one brother-Edward Johnson, five Aunts-Nellie Bundy, Agnes Coleman, Aurelia Gross, Henrietta Sharps and Marion Coleman, two uncles-James Brown and David Mackell, three sons-in-law- Franklin Lomax, Claude Johnson and Kirson Herbert, five sisters-in-law -Georgia Pratt, Frances Brown, Ernestine Powell, Judi and Deneice Neal, two brothers-in-law-Jim Powell and Frank Pratt, eight grandchildren, thirteen greatgrandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, one special cousin, William Graves, two God-children-Cheryl Davis and Erica Baptiste, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Tributes

John Ernest Johnson

August 27, 1920 - May 18, 2006