Alfred W. JOHNSON Sr.

WILIAMSBURG - Alfred Wardell "Stepback" Johnson Sr., entered into eternal rest on Sunday, April 11, 2010, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 6, 1938, the son of the late Maude Estelle and Curtis Johnson, in James City County, Va.
Mr. Johnson played basketball and football for Bruton Heights School and graduated in 1958. He then attended the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College for two years. He later met and was joined in Holy Matrimony in 1962, with the former Patricia Ann Henderson. Together, they spent many years of happiness.
He successfully completed a Locksmithing Correspondence Class in the 1970's. After which, he became the sole proprietor of Johnson's Locksmith Service in Williamsburg. He was a well-known locksmith, dubbed, "the man to call in a key situation." He worked several years for Colonial Williamsburg. He also retired from the Audio-Visual Department at Ft. Eustis, after 26 years of service.
At an early age, he accepted Christ into his life and became a member of First Baptist Church. After getting married, he became a faithful and active member of Saint John Baptist Church, where he served as a member of the Senior Usher Board and the Men's Christian Brotherhood. On Saturday evenings, he led Bible study in his home with his family.
He was an avid bowler and golfer and loved watching Tiger Woods play. He helped to establish a youth golf club in the Williamsburg area. He had an infectious laugh and was always the life of the party, even when there wasn't a party. He had a way of making people feel better just by talking to them. Although, Mr. Johnson had only two children, he was a father figure to many boys and girls, as well as young men and women. He was gentle, kind and had a loving soul. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Howard Lee Johnson and William Ernest Johnson; and a sister-in-law, Hazel Henderson.
He leaves to cherish his blessed memories his loving wife of 47 years, Patricia H. Johnson; his daughter, Dietra J. Baytop of Williamsburg; his son, Alfred "Kip" Johnson Jr., of Newport News; his grandsons, Cornelius Baytop II, who referred to him as, "Fat Daddy" and Daniel Baytop, both of Williamsburg; his granddaughter, Jazmine Johnson of Williamsburg; his great-grandson, Logan Washington of Williamsburg; his sisters, Eva Hollins and Marilyn Johnson, both of Williamsburg; his five sisters-in-law; his two brothers-in-law; his nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of other loving relatives and many caring friends.
There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2010, at Saint John Baptist Church. A memorial service, celebrating the life he lived, will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2010, in Saint John Baptist Church, 1397 Penniman Road. Family and friends will assemble at 470 Queens Creek Road by noon on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Johnson may be made to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, Williamsburg Relay For Life, Community for a Cure, 11835 Canon Blvd. Suite A-102, Newport News, VA 23606.
Professional service entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA 757-229-3011 View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.