John H. Johnson

John Henry Johnson, affectionately known as “Johnny,” was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 30, 1939. Following a lengthy illness and a recently brief hospitalization, on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at 1:00 p.m., he went to be with the Lord and his beloved family members over on the other side of The River. He was predeceased by his loving parents, the late John Morgan Johnson and Iona Marguerite Foster-Johnson.Johnny was proud of the fact that, since 1945, he spent his youth growing up in the new town development of Cherry Hill (MD). There he was first introduced to the personhood and presence of the Lord Jesus at an early age. He was then baptized at the Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church. He was nurtured in a Christian home with faith, prayer and love part of his daily life. He came to know God’s word. And by his walk, he demonstrated how he had learned to lean on, depend on and trust in God. He was quiet-spoken, gentle, and genteel man who had an aura of peace and strength about him. He strived to find the best in all things. And he encouraged the best in everybody he met.Johnny was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Carver Vo-Tech High School in 1960. He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army, with a tour in Germany. He was delighted to speak the German words he learned. In 1966, he was honorably discharged. He met and married Rona Watson. From that union, they had two children. He loved his family and, although, he and his wife later divorced, they remained friends until his death. Johnny worked various jobs before gaining full-time employment at the Baltimore City Hall. He was talented, creative, and loved working with his hands. He took some courses at the Maryland Institute of Art. And, when his employer sponsored him in a one-man exhibit of his beautiful artwork, that was one of the highlights of his life. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was not afraid to laugh at himself. He loved to read books with a passion and, also, to watch futuristic movies. Ever since the 1980’s, he told everybody who would listen, that his desire was to live to see the maternal cousins and other relatives. He enjoyed many valued friendships for which we are grateful.When all is said and done, we thank God for Johnny. And, although we will miss him greatly, we will remember his warm smile and tender, loving spirit. Johnny, we loved you, but thanks be to God, He loved you the very best.

Tributes

John H. Johnson

November 30, 1939 - April 14, 2004