William H. Johnson Sr.

On Wednesday, Dec.3, 2009, God called home Mr. William Horace Johnson Sr. of 2515 Pinehurst Drive, Petersburg, Va.

William was born Sept. 4, 1926, to the late Lenora Johnson. He served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1943. Deacon Johnson worked for the City of Petersburg for a number of years until he retired. After retirement he devoted much of his time to Mount Olivet Baptist Church where he served actively as a deacon.

Deacon Johnson loved the Lord in every way, and those who knew him best appreciated his unfailing belief in Christ. No matter what the topic, Deacon Johnson always found a way to talk about Jesus and his faith and trust in God was his testimony. He enjoyed music, especially quartet singing and was very knowledgeable of the history of the Negro Baseball League.

Deacon Johnson was a calm and quiet man, but had a strong spirit in the Lord.

He leaves to celebrate his life and love, his devoted wife, Frances Johnson; 14 children, Margaret Brewster of Fayetteville, N.C., Gwendolyn Price of Petersburg, Va., Carolyn Johnson of Hopewell, Va., William Johnson Jr. of Richmond Va., Carol Moore of Woodbridge, Va., Larry O. Johnson, Harry O. Johnson (Wanda), Raymond Johnson, Wilbert Hines (Judy), Anthony Hines (Patricia) and Brenda Johnson all of Petersburg, Va., Susie Warren (Stanley) of Prince George, Va., Susan King (Elijah) and Sylvia Thorne (Wayne) of Petersburg, Va.; three sisters-in-law, Lucille Cook of Greenville, S.C., Clarice Johnson of Evanston, Ill., and Maxine Harrison of Tucker, Ga.; three brothers-in-law, James O. Lee (Francis) of San Antonio, Texas, the Rev. Vernon S. Lee (Cecelia) of Petersburg, Va.; 38 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Deacon Johnson was truly a loved man and we were blessed to have known this quiet servant of God.

Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Ave., Petersburg, Va. The Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, pastor, will officiate.

The family will receive friends at the residence and may be contacted by calling 804-861-3066.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Deacon Johnson online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., 804-732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.