Vernon Leo Johnson

VERNON LEO JOHNSON, departed this life on May 14, 2011 at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born on March 4, 1923 in Baltimore to the late Edgar Dawson, Sr. and Ann Deborah Johnson. Vernon attended Falls Road Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Junior High School and Frederick Douglass Senior High School. In the late 1930’s, Douglass High School became the first public school in Baltimore to offer bricklaying classes. He always liked to keep his hands busy, therefore, Vernon enrolled in the new class offerings, where he excelled and before long found his life’s passion-bricklaying trade. Immediately following high school, Vernon joined the Army and served the United States valiantly for three years during World War II, rising in rank to become Staff Sergeant. While in the Army, Vernon perfected the skills he learned in school and became an expert “pontoon” or Floating bridge” builder- a temporary structure used in wartime which could later be collapsed or destroyed after crossing (to keep the enemy from using them). Upon his honorable discharge, Vernon went back to school, but this time to teach. He taught at h Maryland School of Building Trade where he passed on his skill, knowledge and passion for bricklaying to other veterans who recently returned from the war. When he finished teaching, Vernon began his long and distinguished career as a bricklayer with Sorenson and Company, a position he would hold for more than thirty years. In 1948, he married Eleanor (better known as “Sister Baby”) whom he had known since elementary school. Their union lasted for sixty-three years, until his death. During their youth, Vernon (along with Sis), even though they never had children of their own their house was always blessed with their nieces, nephews and neighborhood children running around the house and climbing the huge cherry tree that sat in there back yard. Venom and Sister Baby’s generous spirit did not end there. They took the children away to Atlantic City every summer, where they enjoyed many family activities. As their family grew older and larger, Vernon invited the children and their parents to join him on his annual Veteran’s 900 Club vacations. A good time was always had by all. In his later years Vernon became a master home baker; there again using his hands to create delectable desserts. He made cookies, brownies, pies, cake and no family gathering was ever without his delicious pound cake, which was also popular at his class reunions. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers Edgar and Paul. Vernon leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Eleanor; sister, Mary Brooks; sister-in-law, Muriel Johnson; niece, Cecilia Simms (Barry); and a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was loved very much and will truly be missed.

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Vernon Leo Johnson

March 4, 1923 - May 14, 2011