Michael Jay Johnson

Our beloved Michael departed his earthly life unexpectedly at his home in Houston, Texas on Sunday morning, November 17, 2024 at the age of 42. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia on October 16, 1982 to Joseph W. and Sandra Ellis Johnson. His formal education began in the Norfolk City Public Schools. In 1997, he relocated with his parents to New Orleans, Louisiana. Michael played on the Boys Varsity Basketball team at the Jefferson Parrish’s Riverdale High School, where he graduated in May of 2001. Michael completed the welding apprenticeship and was employed at the Avondale/Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Michael and his wife and daughters moved to Houston, Texas. He gained employment as a pest control specialist. There they sought to rebuild their lives. He was baptized at the Greater Purelight Missionary Baptist Church. He was deeply influenced by his dad in becoming an avid Raiders fan! He was highly regarded by many as “Mike” or the “Polo King!”

Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Daniel “Pecan” Johnson and Flonnie “Raye” Johnson; maternal grandfather, Ernest M. Ellis, Sr.

Michael left to mourn his departure his late father, Joseph W. Johnson; his mother, Sandra A. Johnson; his most precious gifts, his daughters, Jayla Aaliyah Johnson and MaKylah Paige Johnson; their mother, Tamika Ann Reese; his brother, Joseph W. Johnson, Jr. (Dr. Glendolynn); maternal grandmother, Grace Morris Ellis; former mother in-law, Myrna Lathan; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.