Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. John “Junior” Johnson was born on March 23, 1927 in Logan, WV to Clarence and Emma Estelle (Roach) Johnson, both deceased. On October 14, 2020, Junior, the beloved husband, dad, brother, uncle, and friend, passed at the age of 93 at his home in Harlem Heights, WV. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Vivian White and Lelia Elizabeth “Libby” Lindsay.

In his early years, Junior enlisted in the U.S. Airforce and was honorably discharged. Upon returning home, he was employed with a local railroad, followed by Alloy Co., before gaining employment with Semet-Solvay Coal Mining Company. He worked there for over 40 years and retired in the late 80s.

Junior was a classy dresser always matching his shoes and socks with his many suits. He loved his wife and children; teaching them how to repair cars, make home repairs and how to dynamite trees. Several times a year he took the family on hiking adventures. Quite often the children thought he had gotten the family lost in the woods. To their surprise, he always made sure they got home safely.

He joined First Baptist Church Harlem Heights in the early 1950’s and became the head trustee until his health no longer allowed him to serve. Junior was recognized for his service by the Church in October 2019.

Junior is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Bernell (Berry); children, Ann Coley (Chris) of VA, Thurston Everett Johnson of AR, Melvenia Browne of MD, Burnell Pannell (Bob) of WV, John Johnson (Joanne) and Keith Johnson both of GA; also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Barbara Thomas, Kewanda Broussard (Will), Melissa Lewis (Steve), Perry Browne (Kimla), Everette Johnson (Morgan), Brianna Henry, Jahna Johnson, Marcus and Trey Johnson, and John and Jonathan Johnson; his dearly loved great-grandchildren, L’nia and Perri Browne, Myles and Jada Lewis, Raquel, Joshua, and Nicholas Broussard, Prynce Henry and Rayce Johnson; he also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and special friends, Alesia Johnson, Valorie White, Della Lewis and Beth Frantz.

Private funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, October 24, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Harlem Heights 416 Broadway Ave. Harlem Heights, WV with Bishop Fred T. Simms and Rev. Charles E. Blackmon officiating.

Friends, while wearing gloves and masks and observing social distancing, may pay their respects beginning at 11:00AM.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.