Mr. John L. Johnson
Martinez, GA – Entered into rest Monday, June 4, 2012, Mr. John L. Johnson, age 89, husband of Imogene O.”Jean” Johnson for 60 1/2 years.
John was born in Harperville, MS. He was the son of William Harvey Johnson, Sr. and Lela Beasley Johnson. During his early years, he lived in Simpson, LA. In 1935 the family moved to Decatur, MS where he grew up.
John graduated from Newton County Agricultural High School and then received his Associate’s Degree from East Central Junior College. He joined the US Army during WWII and returning from service he attended Mississippi State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Education. While serving in the Army he was in Co E 115th Infantry, 29th Division. John landed on Normandy Beach on June 6, 1944. He was later wounded on a mission to capture St. Lo from the Germans. John received the Purple Heart and the Medaille Du Jubile.
He worked at the Lenwood Division of the VA Hospital in Augusta, GA as a Manual Arts Therapist in Vocational Rehabilitation for 30 years. He was referred to as the “peacemaker” from one of his bosses due to his quiet, gentle manner. John was a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta for 25 years. He was currently the oldest member of Windsor Spring Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the ushers, was deacon, and was ordained deacon emeritus.
In 1992, John survived a kidnapping in Martinez and was taken as far as Tuscaloosa, AL., tied up and left in the woods for dead. He knew he was watched over by an angel and gratefully gave the Lord full credit for surviving.
Family members in addition to his wife include his children, John Charles Johnson and Cynthia Joy Johnson; grandson, John Charles Johnson, Jr. (Jennifer); sister, Fannie Ruth Bush; numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved; Kendra Geter, like a grand-daughter and Denise Cowart, like a daughter. He was predeceased by his parents: W.H. Johnson, Sr. and Lela B. Johnson; and brother: Charles Rufus Johnson, W.H. Johnson, Jr.; step-mother: Mae Bunyard Johnson.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at Thomas Poteet and Son on Davis Rd in Augusta.
A funeral services will be held at Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy 15 North, Newton, MS 39345 on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 2:00 until the time of the service
Memorial contributions may be made to Clark-Venable Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308 Decatur, MS 39327.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com