Mr. Henry Sious Johnson, Jr.'s Obituary
Henry Sious Johnson, Jr. was born on April 11, 1947, to the late Legertha Archer Brewer Johnson and Henry Sious Johnson, Sr. in Cruger, Mississippi. He was the third of three children born to this union. He departed this life on May 21, 2016. He was preceded in death by a sister and a brother, Joe Willie Brewer Wheeler Smith of Norco, Louisiana and Robert Chester Brewer of Chicago, Illinois.
He attended Vaiden High School, in Vaiden, Mississippi and graduated in 1968. He enlisted in the U. S. Army in June of 1968, and completed a full tour of duty as a decorated combat soldier, rising to the rank of Sergeant during the Vietnam War from 1968-1971. During his military tour of duty, he received many decorations and medals: National Defense Service medal, sharpshooter, Vietnam Service medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Bandage, Purple Heart and many more. After his successful military tour of duty, he returned home and took up residence with his brother Osborne and his wife Carolyn in Meridian, Mississippi. There he pursued and obtained an AA Degree in social work at Meridian Junior College. He later gained employment with Delco Remy ( a General Motors affiliate) in Meridian as the Plant's main security guard. During the Mid 1990's, his position changed and he relocated to Monroe, Louisiana, Fitzgerald, Georgia and finally, to Memphis, Tennessee in 2000. He remained with General Motors as a very dedicated employee until his retirement after 30 years of employment in 2007.
Henry joined the Holly Grove Baptist Church in Lexington, Mississippi during the 1950's under the leadership of the famed Civil Rights Activist/minister, the Reverend Robert E. Lee. He never transferred that membership. He was a very devoted Christian and loved to engage in conversation and discussions about his belief in Jesus Christ and Biblical teachings. During his early life he became an adopted member of the Phillip Pate family which he cherished and related to as his primary family after the early death of his mother. Henry was married to Emma Jean Bush of Meridian, Mississippi after return-ing from the military in 1971. During this time he shared in the rearing of his adopted son, Jerry Johnson and grandson Justin. After relocating to Memphis, Tennessee he met a co-worker, Mike Strong whom he bonded with in such a special way and friendship that they were truly brothers. He also developed friendships with many neighbors and community members. He leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Henrine Johnson Parker (Harold) of Jackson, Mississippi and Annette Wheeler of Memphis, Tennessee; two brothers, Osborne Johnson (Carolyn) of Meridian, Mississippi and John H. Brewer of Chicago, Illinois as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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