Mr. Pertester Kelso Johnson, Jr.'s Obituary
Pertester Kelso Johnso Jr. was born on September 24, 1954 to Alice Louise Cobbs and Pertester Kelso Johnson, Sr. in Mobile, AL.
After graduating from Max Hayes High School in 1971, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he received the National Defense Service Medal. After being discharged due to a neck injury her sustained while on duty, he landed many trades, one as managing cosmetologist for Mirror Mirror, kicking off a 30 year career in cosmetology. Calling himself a “curl specialist”, he adopted the slogan, “how could you be so happy with yo hair so nappy?”.
Pertester completed truck driving school and received his CDL license going on to work for the City of Cleveland, Ohio Parks and Recreation. There he received many awards and declarations for his outstanding work ethic.
In 1982, he met the love of his life, Michele Alvis Johnson. From that moment on their love story began. On July 3, 1984 they united in Holy Matrimony, a union that was blessed with twins, Nada and Nicole, Kelsey and Sapphire.
After retiring in 2001, he spent his time volunteering at local school JROTC programs, fishing, traveling, more fishing, and spoiling his wife and twelve grandchildren as much as possible.
On September 1, 2021, he peacefully passed away leaving his family deeply saddened by his sudden unexpected transition.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Alice Louis Cobbs and Pertester Kelso Johnson, Sr; son, Sean Alvis; sister, Joyce Tatum; and brothers: Lester Tatum, Floyd Tatum, and Billy Tatum.
He leaves to forever cherish his memory: his loving wife, Michele Johnson; daughters: Nada (Raymale) Talbott, Nichole Johnson, Kelsey Johnson and Sapphire Austin; sister, Barbara Hossley; brothers: Smart Thompson and LaDaryl (Deborah) Johnson; twelve grandchildren: Sean Alvis, Jr, Ethan Alvis, Cason Alvis, Ke’Miya Johnson, Ja’Zail Johnson, Rai’Jon Talbott, Lamont Mitchell, Brenderriel Barker, Brayden Barker, Branden Barker, Teo Hinkle, and Dior Austin; sisters-in-law: Lisa Sutton, Mia Lewis, Deborah Alvis, Denise Sanders, Marcia Walker (Simon Walker) and brother-in-law: Dennis Alvis, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
What’s your fondest memory of Pertester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Pertester?
Share a story where Pertester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Pertester you’ll never forget.
How did Pertester make you smile?
