John Johnson Sr.

John R. Johnson Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - John R. Johnson Sr. of the 1800 block of John Brown Lane passed unexpectedly Oct. 12, 2008. Born Sept. 3, 1948, in Rural Hall, N.C., to the late John S. and Margaret E. Johnson, he was a Vietnam War veteran and a graduate of St. Leo University, where he received a bachelor's degree in sociology. John retired from the U.S. Army in 1992 and was, afterwards, employed by the Virginia Employment Commission. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a facilitator, educator and counselor for the Fleet and Family Support Center, NAS Oceana. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jean Demory Johnson; a son, Sgt. First Class, John R. Johnson Jr. of Fort Stewart, Ga.; two sisters, Rhonda Sumner of Chesapeake and Angelia Thomas of Suffolk; an aunt, Velner Miller and an uncle, Royal Miller, both of Rural Hall, N.C.; five grandchildren; a son-in-law, Victor Bluford; father-in-law, Wilford Demory Sr.; "special cousin," George Eccoles of Silver Spring, Md.; "special daughter," Lilliam Hernandez of Virginia Beach; his devoted dachshund, "Peanut"; and a host of other relatives and friends. John was predeceased by his daughter, Rae Johnson Bluford, and his mother-in-law, Susie M. Demory. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Third Baptist Church, 461 Godwin St., Portsmouth, with the Rev. Joseph Fleming officiating and eulogy given by the Rev. Clarence Demory. Interment will follow in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at 1892 John Brown Lane where they will also assemble Friday one hour prior to the service for the procession to the church. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family kindly requests potted plants. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.