Bernard M. Johnson, Jr.

Bud, Bebop, Leather, Uncle Bernie, Johnson, and 3-Corner … all endearing monikers for the gentle, loving soul known for his trademark suspenders. BERNARD MILTON JOHNSON, JUNIOR made his peaceful transition on February 28, 2024, after celebrating his 82nd birthday on February 26, 2024. A 6th generation East Baltimore native he is a product of the Black Baltimore Roman Catholic parish. His Catholicism allowed him to speak fluent Latin such that he traveled to other East Coast catholic churches in his youth as an altar boy. During his formative years of school, he continued his faith infusion by matriculating in Roman Catholic Schools such as Saint Peter Claver among others until his tenth year of high school. He was then granted his wish to attend the historic Frederick Douglass High School in northwest Baltimore. After his honorable discharge for the United States Army, he returned to Baltimore to begin acclimation to civilian life. The Morgan State University (Maryland) alumnus had a short work tenure at Gibson Island Country Club then landed a position at Westinghouse Defense Contracting where he met his best friend, Mary. Always wanting to combine his engineering, construction theory and craftsmanship mastery he finally pursued his passion. A professional craftsman by trade, through further credentialing and apprenticeship he and his business partner, Charles Michaels, owned a Baltimore based contracting business. With the success of his initial business foray, Bernard launched his own independent contracting business, Johnson & Daughter, specializing in residential and commercial properties. Later, he furthered his business acquisitions to co-own a music business so aptly named 3-Corner Record Shop with his wife, Mary. Along with his professional pursuits he had many avocations to help with the work-life balance. Noted for his breaststroke, he was a highly competitive swimmer in college not to mention playing football in the off season. With this love for water, he boated and fished along the Chesapeake Bay – not to mention having multiple 250-gallon fish tanks that housed many tropical fish. Unbeknownst to many, he showcased his artistic and creative abilities with state-fair entered latch hook rug designs. Furthering his love for music he was a season ticket holder to the Hampton, Virginia, Jazz Music Festival. But he also enjoyed listening to the likes of music artists Alice Cooper and Kiss rock bands. During his early years with childhood neighborhood roller skating and bike riding it would be remised to not mention the senior gardener’s mentor/mentee relationships. From his earliest proteges to his most recent, they always speak highly of Mr. B. A proponent of his community and supporting his fellow man, through service and organizations, his sage advice and mild demeanor proved to be an indomitable force as evidenced by the remaining years of his life. Bernard, truly a great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family, that loves him dearly. A selfless man whose passing leaves an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever engrained in all he knew. Survived by his wife of six decades, Mary (Sweet), is a testament of “until death do us part”. From this union came daughter Dr. Tracey Louise Johnson Warren (Dr. Garfield Terence Warren); and two grandsons, Garfield Trevor and Thedford Lagen of Bloomington, Indiana. He is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barbara Sweet McLendon (Francis), Sarah Sweet Mullins (the late Robert), Michael Sweet (Karen) and Marva Randolph Author; a bevy of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard M. Johnson Sr. and Louise Johnson Parker; and his brother, Tyrone Parker.

Tributes

Bernard M. Johnson, Jr.

February 26, 1942 - February 28, 2024