George Wilson Johnson

Newburgh, NY

On Monday, September 29, 2008, the mortal remains of Bishop G.W. Johnson exchanged the cares of this world from earth's sorrows for Heaven's joy.

George Wilson Johnson was born July 13, 1919 in Trenton, NC, a son of Deacon Edgar Johnson and Mother Katie Hussey Johnson, the youngest of two sons, Milton Johnson and wife, Martha Johnson, deceased.

He attended elementary and high school in Trenton NC, attended AT&T College in North Carolina, and received a Doctorate's degree in 1972. He was skilled in the trade of auto mechanic, specializing in diesel operations, and upholstery.

He joined the United States Navy (a star 1) in 1941, received 3 stars and 7 medals, and was the chaplain of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) He worked for the N.Y.C. Sanitation Dept., retiring in 1978 after 23 years of service. He held positions as the Chaplain of Sanitation, Chaplain of the Negro Benevolent, Department of Sanitation and Investigator for the Department of Sanitation Pension.

He received many awards in the City of Newburgh, the City of New York, and the Northeastern District Assembly. He was a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P., the presiding prelate of the Northeastern District Assembly Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, the senior Bishop of the General Assembly Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ International, Inc. Outstanding Black Leader Award.

Among his many community involvements include the Black Ministerial Fellowship Assn. of Newburgh, Project Life Task Force, Northeastern District Assembly Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ Sunday School Convention Alumni Assn.

Bishop was baptized at St. Stephen's Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Trenton, NC. His dream was always to be a preacher. He migrated to New York City in 1934, united with Shiloh Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, and served as a trial Deacon. He was ordained as a minister at Shiloh Church of Christ, his initial Sermon Subject: Self-Denied, text: Luke 9:23.

He was sent by Bishop W.C. Gilliams to preach at Star Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beacon, NY. He received a vision from the Lord - the vision was a church called "Mt. Carmel" meaning a "Fruitful Field".

His inaugural sermon was entitled "Victorious Church." The membership of the church started with eight members. After a short time, the membership grew. The storefront on Colden Street was too small; the next move was to Johnston Street. The Church on Johnston Street burned down and this caused the church to purchase another building in the town of Newburgh. The final dream of Bishop Johnson was to build a brand new church from the ground up. In January 2007, this dream became a reality. "To God be the Glory."

Bishop's favorite sayings were: "Stay in your own lane" and "If you cannot run with the big dogs, stay on the porch."

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mother Emma Johnson; one son, Vaughn Wilson Johnson; one daughter, Laura Elizabeth Edelen; four grandchildren: Yvonne, Stephen, Michael and Damon; ten great-grandchildren: Simone, Shiniqua, Stephanie, Patrice, Gimell, Paul, Hussein, Tracey, Kasseem, & Aiesha; a special friend of the family, Judy Thomas; ten great-great-grandchildren; several in-laws; a loving church family, and a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by daughter, Loretta Marie Way; son-in-law, William Edelen and a grandson, William III.

Services will be held Monday, October 6, at the Mt. Carmel Church of Christ, 1524 Rt. 300, Newburgh, NY. He will lay in state from 12 noon to 6 pm.

Celebratory Services will begin at 6 p.m. at the church with the General Bishop MacDonald Moses, D.D., officiating; Pastor Elder Thermond Herring. Entombment will be in Cedar Hill Mausoleum, Middlehope, NY on Tuesday, October 7, at 9 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Homes, 259 Walsh Ave., New Windsor, NY; www.rhodesfuneralhomes.com or 845-569-1233.