Johnny R. Alsberry

Johnny Russell Alsberry July 28, 1944 - December 17, 2024 Johnny was the seventh of eleven children born to the late Jordan Alsberry Sr. and Roberta Adams Alsberry on the eve of July 28, 1944, in Strasburg, VA. Johnny was born into a family of Love for God and his son Jesus and, therefore, was baptized at an early age, becoming a member of the Esbie Baptist Church in Strasburg. Johnny attended Sunday School, with his dad being his first teacher in the children’s class. He attended Wednesday night prayer services at church during the warm seasons and in family members' homes during cold weather. Johnny joined the junior choir and continued to grow spiritually. Before Johnny’s early teen years, his family joined Macedonia Baptist Church of Flint Hill, VA where Johnny continued his spiritual growth in his parents’ home church. Johnny attended the one room with seven grades, Sunset Hill Elementary School in Strasburg, and Douglas High School in Winchester, VA. After graduating from Douglas High School, Johnny attended Virginia State College. In August 1965, he received a greeting card from Uncle Sam, “I Want You.” Johnny entered the United States Army and had his basic training at Ft. Gordon, GA, and Advanced Training at Ft. Belvoir School of Engineering. Upon completing his training course, Johnny became a Missile Equipment Maintenance Specialist. He was then sent to the Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, where he routinely traveled to the eight Army missile sites needing maintenance repairs. In June of 1967, Johnny was on his way to South Vietnam, where he was attached to the First Air Cavalry Division. He spent eight of his twelve months in the country's northern section near the Demilitarization Zone. Johnny was discharged from the Army in June 1968 with the rank of Sergeant (E-5). On June 30, 1968, Johnny married Barbara Thompson and decided it was time to go back to school. In September, he re-entered Virginia State College. With homework help and love from his wife, Johnny graduated from Virginia State College in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After graduation, Johnny and Barbara moved to Pittsburgh, PA, where he was employed by Nabisco, Inc., and returned to Richmond when the local bakery was completed in the fall of 1973. On the eve of November 5, 1973, Barbara and Johnny were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Mishawn Hope, and on the morning of June 16, 1975, they again were blessed with the birth of their son, Reis Donyale. On November 17, 1985, Johnny became a member of St. James Baptist Church and served as President of the Male Doorkeepers Board and the St. James’ Pisto Sheepfold leader. Johnny did not lay claim to any specific hobbies, but he did enjoy boating, fishing, snow skiing, bowling, basketball, and traveling. Johnny enjoyed a full life, and he loved his church, his family, most of all, his God. He was preceded in death by his infant daughters, Dana Nichele, and Devora Jonique; his parents, Jordan Sr. and Roberta; his brothers Jordan Jr. (Elizabeth), Alvin (Lemmie), Charles - infant, Leonard L. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Barbara T. Alsberry, of Henrico, VA; daughter, Mishawn A. Wilson of Glen Allen, VA; son, Reis D. Alsberry of Baton Rouge, LA and his loving granddaughter, Sydney C. Wilson, of Glen Allen, VA, sister, Rochella Strother (Kenneth - deceased), Marion Strother (Robert - deceased), Audrey Dyer (Earl - deceased), Siomone Alsberry (Leonard - deceased), Angela Wilkins (Olric), Priscilla Terry (Edwin), Kathy Temple (Harry - deceased) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. “Great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see, all I have needed, Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness. Lord unto me!” - Lamentations 3:22-23

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Johnny R. Alsberry

July 28, 1944 - December 17, 2024