Jesse Johnson, Jr.

Jonesboro, Georgia: Mr. Jesse Johnson Jr. was born on June 15, 1947 to the late Jesse Johnson, Sr. and Ethel Lee Johnson in Bennettsville, South Carolina. Jesse was their first born of seven children. During his childhood years, he was blessed to have his beloved grandparents, Lewis and Ethel Bostic, who played a positive and nurturing role in his life. They were strict disciplinarians who embedded in his spirit that with strong faith in God, to work without ceasing and obtain a good education he could excel and achieve anything. As a youth Jesse received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Sawmill Baptist Church where he attended throughout his childhood.
Jesse begin his education at Marlboro Elementary School and graduated from Eastside High School in 1967. After graduating he relocated to Brooklyn, New York and was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He served four years as Gunnery Sergeant stationed at Fort Hamilton, New York City. He was deployed to Vietnam where he served on frontline as a ground soldier fighting the Vietnam War for 18 months.
Upon completion of his military service Jesse returned to Brooklyn, NY and joined Messiah Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was employed as a Tractor Trailer Driver for five years. Jesse had a heart for driving and decided to seek employment with The New York City Transit Authority. He took pride in his position as a Bus Operator and was employed with the company for 20 years until his diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Jesse was a very proud man and took pride in his attire. When he entered a room or a social event, he presented himself well. He had an infectious smile and a grin that would automatically make you smile. One of his favorite quotes was, "Look at me" with his head tilted to the side and grinning. He was an excellent communicator and never treated anyone like a stranger.
Preceding his death were his parents, Jesse and Ethel Lee Johnson, His grandparents, Lewis and Ethel Bostic, Adolphus III and Juanita Johnson; two brothers', Edward Johnson and Charles Bostic.
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, after a long battle with MS he transitioned from his earthly home, to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His loving memories will be cherished by his three daughters;: Nicole Howard, Baltimore MD; Tyshema Douglas, of the home; Tonya Johnson, Charlotte, NC; three sons; Jesse (Ronda) Johnson III, Morris Town, NJ; Kasheem Douglas, Columbia, SC; Joshua Johnson, Holland, NY; stepmother Mary McCray, Saint Albans, NY; five grandchildren: Taylor Howard Fortune, Niyani Johnson, Olivia Johnson, McKensie Johnson, Preston Johnson, Mason Johnson; two brothers: Robert Johnson, Brooklyn, NY; Michael McCray, Saint Albans, NY; seven sisters: Brenda (Charlie) Rivers, Richmond VA; Marie (Clarence) Bloomfield, Atlanta GA; Patricia Bridgeman, Jonesboro, GA; Wanda Johnson, Hampton, GA; Lavonne (Samuel) Nipper, Snellville, GA; Angela Johnson, Queens, NY; Gwendolyn McCray, Saint Albans, NY; two uncle: Adolphus Johnson IV; Bennettsville, SC; Julius Thomas, Myrtle Beach, SC; four aunts: Ruth Drake, Kinston NC; Ella S Molden & Altheria Johnson, Bennettsville, SC; Betty Freeman, Hempstead Long Island, NY; one great aunt: Lula Brown, Bennettsville, SC; one great uncle: John Ellerbie, Farrell, PA; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins; two devoted friends: Jimmy Kinard, Effort, PA; Francisco Beadeker, Brooklyn NY and so many others that shared in his life.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 11:30 am at Level Green United Methodist Church, Bennettsville.

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