Mr. Arthur James Johnson Sr.'s Obituary
On September 30, 1934, in the Nellieburg community of Meridian, Mississippi, God gifted the world with Arthur James Johnson to the parents of Mr. Peter Johnson and Mrs. Elizebath Shadwick Johnson. Affectionately called "Pap" and "Art" as a youngster, he was intrigued by his father's many jobs, skills, talents, gifts and work ethic. He could always be found side by side with his father farming, shoeing horses, building items, repairing electrical appliances, working on automobiles and plumbing.
After graduating from TJ Harris High School, Arthur joined the United States Air Force where he served for 23 years. During his tenure in the military, his duties carried him to San Antonio, Texas; Winooski, Vermont; Thailand; Taiwan; Thule, Greenland; Wiesbaden, Germany; and finally, to Beale AFB, California.
During his tour of duty, he continued his education by studying at St Philip Jr. College in San Antonio, Texas and the University of Maryland, Global Campus in Lindsey Air Station, Germany. After he returned to Meridian, MS he received an AA degree from Meridian Community College.
While stationed in Germany, he was an active member of HH Arnold High School Booster Club, Willie H. Dixon Military Lodge #143 Free and Acceptable Masons, and Jurisdiction of Oklahoma. He was a member of Prince Hall Military Consistory #304 in which he advanced to the Grade of 32nd degree. He was also a member of the Aswan Temple #115. Arthur also served as an usher for the 3pm Gospel Worship Service at the Hainerberg Chapel under the leadership of Chaplain Robert Jemerson.
After 23 years in the military, Arthur returned to Meridian and entered the labor force at the United States Post Office, where he served as board member for the National Association of Letter Carriers. He reunited with his home church, West Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, where he had accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.
Arthur played a pivotal role in the acquisition of land and the construction of West Mt Moriah's current edifice. He also served as a member of the male choir, the Deacons and Trustees Ministry, the finance Committee, and treasurer for the Wilson Community Cemetery committee.
On August 14, 2024, Arthur returned to his Heavenly Father, who loaned him to us for 89 years and 11 months. He is now reunited with his parents and six siblings: Mr. Peter Johnson and Mrs. Elizebath Johnson, Baby Ray Johnson, Larry Johnson, Ola Mae Munos, Erma Hawkins, Dorothy Hampton, and Annie Mixon.
Art was a man of few words...with the ingenuity of a "MacGyver" and the presence of E.F. Hutten. He could make anything work and when he spoke people listened.
His memory will be forever cherished by his devoted wife of 68 years, Delores Mitchell Johnson; his son Arthur "Artie" James Johnson, Jr. (Debra Cummins Johnson), Upper Marlboro, MD; his daughters, Althea Cortina Johnson, Meridian, MS, and Andria Colette Johnson, Mobile, AL; his granddaughter, Alison Jatara Johnson, Mobile, AL; four grandsons: Arthur James Johnson, II, Upper Marlboro MD, Alexander Jai Johnson (Dr. Haley Johnson), Tacoma, WA, Latonia Pascal Johnson Il and Laakea Peter Johnson, both from Mobile, AL; two great grandchildren, Logan Karter Johnson, Daphne, Al and Alaia Janelle Bracy, Mobile, AL.
His sisters Marilyn Emerson, Meridian, MS and Delilah Hill, Memphis, TN; his adopted sister and brother Marguerite Johnson, Meridian, MS and Jerry Johnson (Fredia Johnson) Milwaukee, WI, all of whom will remember him fondly. Additionally, his loving mentoring and guidance will long be remembered by six nieces, twelve nephews, a host of Johnson/Shadwick cousins, a multitude of God-children, and countless others he touched.
What’s your fondest memory of Arthur?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arthur?
Share a story where Arthur's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arthur you’ll never forget.
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