Marcus Wiley Johnson, Sr. age 84 of Ahoskie died Monday, April 5, 2010 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital. He was born August 4, 1925 in Nash County to the late Clarence B. Johnson and Helen Ruth Lankford Johnson.
Mr. Johnson attended Benvenue School in Rocky Mount and graduated from Rocky Mount High School. He attended NC State and served in the US Navy during WW II where he watched the raising of the flag from his ship at Iwo Jima. He grew up in Rocky Mount and was a deacon at Johnson Tabernacle Baptist Church on Sunset Ave. then moved to Ahoskie in 1966. He drew the plans for the Creech Memorial Baptist Church in Ahoskie where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School. He retired from Carolina-Sprint Telephone after 40 years as a District Engineer. He was a member of Gideons International and American Legion Post #102.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Creech Memorial Baptist Church. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Ahoskie Cemetery. Rev. J.N Baggett and Rev. Tom Ravan will officiate.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 58 years Nannie Alford Johnson of the home, sons; Mark Johnson and his wife Lillian Anne of Harrellsville, Edward Paul Johnson and his wife Linda of Grimesland, Steven Ray Johnson and his wife Vanessa and Thomas Lee Johnson and Paige all of Ahoskie, a daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Johnson Stroud and her husband Randy of Ahoskie, a brother Clarence B. Johnson of Los Angeles, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service on Saturday at Creech Memorial Baptist Church and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Creech Memorial Baptist Church or to Gideons International.
To Mrs. Johnson and the Family. I was just thinking about Mr. Johnson, Wednesday night. I did not know he had entered the gates of heaven on Monday. When I saw online tonight (Thursday) my heart was heavy for you and your family.
I lived next door to this Man of God during my early years in Ahoskie (1970’s) He was a true servent of God and faithful person to his family and his church. When you walked onto his land you knew you were somewhere different. He (Mr.Johnson) would greet you with a smile and care you did not get from others. You could see the love of God in his face. He loved being out in his shop and garden he had for so many years.
When I would visit Creech Memorial Baptist church. Mr. Johnson, would lead singing like we were singing in front of Jesus live! He loved to pray and worship our Lord. And also was a great teacher of the word of God.
Oh boy,,,,,,,,,,,he loved coaching little league baseball their in Ahoskie too. When you played against Mr. Johnson teams as I did, you knew it was going to be a tuff game. Yes, Mr. Johnson, was a hero to all the young people in Ahoskie, for all those years.
Mr. Johnson, would never have been complete on this earth without his loving wife Mrs. Johnson, she is my hero too. Mrs. Johnson, I (Ray Ray) learned so much from being in your presence and Mr. Johnson presents. From living on South street (right beside you) to one block over on Rhue street. My entire growing years till graduation from High School (1984). WE ALL Knew that their was a MAN of GOD and LADY of God on the corner from Bashnight whse.
May God give you peace from heaven and may all the childern know they are loved. And that on this past Monday, Mr. Johnson is now leading the ANGELS of Heaven in one more great hymn with his loud and powerful voice!
Thanks, Mr. Johnson, for being my neighbor, my friend, and a Man of God that never stoped loving people and loving God, and loving his wife and Family. From (Ray Ray) I will see you in Heaven! Can’t waite!!!
Dear Aunt Nan, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know Uncle Wiley will be missed. I can’t imagine not seeing him and his diet mountain dew at our family gatherings. I’ve seen him get upset on occassions but he was a patient man most of the time and I know that he loved his family. I hope the cherished memories will sustain you through this time and in the days ahead. We can all rejoice in the fact that one day we will see him again.
I love you.
Rene Alford Smith
To Mrs.Johnson and children,grandchildren,great grandchildren.I am sadden by your loss. Mr. Johson was a great man and a fine Christian,You are in my prayers.God bless you all.
Dear Uncle Mark and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father.
I know that you all loved and cherished him and that he will be missed.
I pray that God gives you all peace and comfort that only He can give. May the next few days be filled with special memories and love from surrounding friends and family.
With much love and sympathy,
Melanie