Elder Willie Johnson Sr.

Elder Willie Johnson, son of the late Ben and Ellie Clark Johnson, was born on May 5, 1920 in Oxford, North Carolina. He departed this life on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at his home. He attended Granville County Elementary School until he was needed to help his father on the farm. On February 27, 1942 Elder Johnson was called to serve in the United States Army. He served under the leadership of General Robert S. Patton as a Forward Observer for Artillery Strike during World War II in Germany. While home on leave from the army he met Ellis Hinton whom he married on April 17, 1943. From this union three children were born. In 1952 Elder and Mother Johnson journeyed to Baltimore, Maryland to seek a better life for the family. After arriving in Baltimore, he was employed at Sparrows Point. He also worked part-time as a master barber for Elder Wade Hatton. Elder Johnson would come to know the Lord through the witness of Elder Hatton who challenged him to try God for one year. He accepted this challenge and began attending the Bibleway Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ under the pastorate of the late Bishop Kato Pierson. He was baptized in Jesus’ name in the mid 1950’s and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Thus, his walk with Christ began. Elder Johnson served as an adult Sunday School Teacher and President of the Brotherhood Club for many years. Because of his faithfulness and dedication to the work of the Lord he was appointed to the office of “Deacon.” Soon after, Elder Johnson was called into the ministry and was licensed under the Bibleway Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost put a greater calling on his life and he was ordained “Elder” on August, 27 1993 under the pastorate of the late Elder Michael Morgan at the Greater Temple of Praise Church, Baltimore, MD where he became the Assistant Pastor. After the passing of his pastor, the late Elder Michael Morgan, Elder Johnson sought a new church home. He began attending services with his granddaughter Kim, who was a member of Columbia Apostolic Church under the leadership of Bishop Roan & Pastor Esther Faulkner. In September 2000, Elder Johnson joined the Columbia Apostolic Church (now Faith Christian Center Church) and was a faithful member until his health prevented his attendance. Elder Johnson was a vibrant praiser, worshipper and prayer warrior and he loved to hear his Bishop & Pastor “Preach the Word.” He was truly a “lively stone” in the house of the Lord. “Diddy” (as he was affectionately called by all) was a devoted husband, father, mentor and the best grandfather and great-grandfather in the world. He was the greatest worshipper and praiser you ever met, and the joy he experienced was felt by all. He truly loved the Lord and his family with all his heart. Elder Johnson was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Mother Ellis Johnson on May 27, 2005. He leaves to cherish his memory: one son, Willie Johnson, Jr. (Marion Johnson) of Baltimore, MD; two daughters, Alice M. Grey and Linda A. Johnson both of Baltimore, MD; one step-daughter, Betty Hinton-Johnson of Boston, MA; one step-son, Robert L. Hinton of Baltimore, MD; one sister Elnora Gooch of Durham, NC; one brother-in-law, Albert Hinton of Los Angeles, CA; one sister-in-law, Lillian Hinton of Raleigh, NC; ten grandchildren, Andre’, Vicki (Samuel), Jana, Kim (Alan), Eric (Sharon), Gary (Pamela), Lamonte (Donya), David, Tiffany (Antoine) and Stephanie (De’Andre Johnson and Donald Johnson preceded him in death); eighteen great-grandchildren; two special friends, Deacon Clarence Hatton and Deaconess Ernestine Hatton of Baltimore, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Elder Willie Johnson Sr.

May 5, 1920 - April 11, 2012