Willie Johnson, Jr.

Almighty God in His infinite wisdom, very quietly, peacefully, and gently reached down, then touched Willie and entered him into eternal rest on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 5:50 am at the Heritage Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in King George, Virginia.

Willie Johnson, Jr. was born August 1, 1922 to the late Willie Johnson, Sr. and Mary "Streets" Johnson in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He attended Gravel Run School in Potomac Mills where his Aunt Mary Johnson (his father's sister) was his teacher. From an early age people endearingly called him "Little Willie" and "Bill." Willie was a life-long member of Little Zion Baptist Church in Oak Grove, Virginia. He attended worship services regularly and enjoyed participating in the Senior Ministry's luncheons each month. He was a true believer in God, and knew God supplied all his needs. He often said "God is keeping me on this earth for a long time, so I must be doing something good." Willie was a strong, forthright, caring and independent man with lots of wisdom.

Willie began his civil service career working at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, later he worked for the District of Columbia Department of Sanitation for 21 years, and after retiring from his prior job, he worked at Montross Elementary School. He enjoyed his work, his co-workers, and meeting people on a daily basis. As a side job, Willie took fresh produce from Westmoreland to the Northwest Washington, D.C. area near Georgia Avenue and 14th Street. He was a generous and giving man. Most of the time, he gave away as much produce as he sold for a small fee. Willie was a hard-worker, and did not like to be idle. From an early age well into his 90's, he loved perfected his craft of cutting trees. He was recognized by the county as one of the oldest loggers in Virginia.

Until his brief illness at 94 years old, Willie was active (physically, mentally, and emotionally). God blessed him to have amazing strength, stamina, and memory throughout life. When first hospitalized, he stated "the doctor said I got a 60-year old body." One of his favorite pastimes was driving to Stop-In, sitting in his car, and visiting with folks. His ritual was to purchase milk and cake at the Stop-In, talk with friends and family. Before it got too late he returned home to rest for the next day. If he was not there for a few days, family and friends would start to ask: "How is Little Willie or Bill doing? I haven't seen him for a few days." Willie also shared whatever he had with others. Upon visiting him at home, he would not let you leave his house without saying "I have some food in the frig, take anything you want." One of his favorite sayings was "Ain't going to bury me, until I'm dead." We may be saying rest in eternal peace to Willie as he has transitioned to a new life with God. However, he left a great legacy. Our love for him will never die and cannot be buried, because "Willie Johnson, Jr. was a phenomenal man."

Willie was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Jessie Lane, Margaret Johnson, and Mary's twin sister that died at birth; his brothers, Herman, Garrison, and Louis Johnson, and a great-great-grandson, Mekhi Thomas.

With cherished memories, he leaves behind one daughter, Emily Kelly (Frank) of Colonial Beach, Virginia. Three grandchildren, Kevin Kelly (Clemencia) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Melissa Hines (Claude) of Gaithersburg, Maryland; and Conrad Kelly (Marlene) of Northumberland County, Virginia. Seven great-grandchildren: Frankie, Michael II (Hope), Michelle, Taneisha, Romon, Kevin, and Antoinette. Three great-great grandchildren Maliyah, Michael III and Monique. One sister, Rachel (Lewis) Saunders of Columbia, Maryland. A host of nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.



Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535