Arthur L Johnson

Arthur Lee Johnson was like the great Yggdrasil tree, “whose roots,” a poet said, “are deep in earth but whose upper branches of stars of Heaven are glowing astir.” His roots went deeply into the inferno of Christian principles; this precious child was born to the parents of the late Essie Mae Knight Johnson & AzellJohnson Sr, on January 21, 1947 in Palmetto, Fl. He is preceded in death by both parents and brother Ralph Johnson.

Arthur Johnson attended Manatee County Public Schools and was the proud 1965 graduate of Lincoln Memorial High School. He was a devout trojan and was active in all Alumni activities until his health began to fail.

A time to work

In 1965 Arthur, enlisted into the U.S Army where he served 2 tours in Vietnam. While in the Military he worked as a specialist and in communications. In 2012 former President Barack Obama presented him with a Proclamation in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. After rendering service to his Country, he became employed with GTE which is now Verizon. He retired after 38 years of dedication and hard work.

A time to Love

The Bible state, “That a man that finds a wife finds a good thing.” In 1982 he met the former Ms. Terry L. Mann, the love of his life and in 1984 before family and friends at New Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Tampa this couple was married. To this union 1 child was added.

A time to Worship and Serve

At an early age Arthur accepted the Lord as his savior and was sprinkled in the AME faith and became a member of St. Andrews AME Church. In the early 70’s he changed his membership to St. John Missionary Baptist Church (Memphis), under the Leadership of the late Rev. A.L Dixon. As a member of the church he served in many capacities including; past president of the Mass Choir and sung in the Male Choir. In 2006, under the Pastorate of the late Roland Oliver he was set aside to be ordain as a Deacon. He served this ministry well until the end. After the passing of Deacon Willie Samuel, he was appointed to be the Superintendent of Sunday School. This position he held with pride and joy. He was known to start Sunday School with or without you. 

A time to exchange a cross for a crown

When its all said and done, when the work is concluded. All he wanted was, people to be impacted not by his title but by his work ……. For the work Deacon Johnson gave spoke for him.

On Saturday March 6, 2021 at 2:22 AM surrounded by his devoted wife and family, Deacon Johnson heard the voice of Jesus say come unto me and rest. 

He leaves to cherish his memories to his lovely and devoted wife, Terry L. Johnson. 1 son Enrico C. Johnson. 5 Grandsons; Ederick E. Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, Fl, Enrico C. Johnson Jr of Hopkinsville, KY, Justin C. Johnson of St. Petersburg, Fl, Javon Arthur Mack Johnson, and Zyon A. Johnson both of Palmetto, Fl. 2 great grands (Twins) Enrico C. Johnson III and En’Kiya Johnson, both of Hopkinsville, KY. 3 Brothers AzellJohnson (Mae Ethel), Ruffus Johnson both of Palmetto, Fl, and John A. Johnson (Dannie) of Clearwater, Fl. Special Siblings Rose Washington, Vera Woodie both of Palmetto, Fl, and Henry Washington of St. Petersburg, Fl. 1 Special Son Commissioner Reggie Bellamy of Palmetto, Fl. 1 sister and 2 brother in law; Maggie Taylor of Palmetto, Fl, Willie Oliver of St. Petersburg, Fl and Rev. Edward Brown of Maimi, Fl.  9 nieces and nephews, Special nieces and nephews; Darryl Johnson (Faye) of Atlanta, GA, Karen Nolton (Robert), Andre Smith and James Smith all of St. Petersburg, Fl. 1 Best friend Ralph Green of Bradenton, Fl. Special Caregiver Deborah Daniels. Special friends; Rev. Ron Ship (Lena) of Tampa, George Woodie and the entire Westside Funeral Home Staff, and the Popi’s Place of Palmetto, Fl where frequent every day.

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