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Ezekiel Johnson Obituary
He was a founding member of Mt. Calvary Community Church, where he served as a deacon, treasurer and church father. He was known for playing his hand cymbals and singing old songs, like "You Just Look For Me in Heaven" and "Somewhere Around God's Throne." He used his building talents to help construct the church, build his home and complete many projects in the neighborhood and surrounding communities. Mr. Johnson worked for the Keyes family for many years, cooked at Emory & Henry College and retired from Olin Mathieson in Saltville.
He was born in Glade Spring on Jan. 2, 1910, to the late Clint and Mattie Johnson.
Mr. Johnson was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Vivian Blevins Johnson; two sons, the Rev. Johnny Lee Johnson and Billy Mack Johnson; two brothers, James Johnson and Sylvester Johnson; and seven sisters, Louise Moore, Maxie Bowers, Lottie Gray, Hannah V. Preston, Mattie Johnson, Margaret Banister and Rachel Henderson.
Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Mary Nowlin, Rochester, N.Y., and Elizabeth Hill, Glade Spring; two sons, Ezekiel Johnson Jr., Jacksonville, Ark., and the Rev. James Johnson, Cheverly, Md.; one sister, Bernice Lowry and husband Jack, Rochester; two daughters-in-law, Alfreda Johnson, Georgia, and Mary Johnson, Glade Spring; one sister-in-law, Myrtle Johnson, Glade Spring; 27 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandchild.
The family will receive friends and family from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Mt. Calvary Community Church, Glade Spring. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, with Pastor Melvin Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the third wing staff at Valley Health Care Center and Southwest Virginia Hospice Care.
Pallbearers will be William Nowlin, Dennis Hill, Eric Johnson, James Johnson Jr., Marcus Montgomery and Johnny Johnson Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Curtis Montgomery, Elmer Johnson, Charlie Trent, Daniel Hounshell, D.A. Wagner and Prince Coleman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mt. Calvary Community Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 251, Glade Spring, VA 24340.
Expressions of love and online condolences can be sent via e-mail at [email protected].
Mr. Ezekiel "Daddy Zeke" Johnson and family are in the care of R.A. Clark Funeral Service, 224 Midway Medical Park, Bristol, TN 37620; (423) 764-8584.
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Milton & Hattie Harris
September 8, 2006
To the Johnson Family,
Mr. Zeke lived his life to live again and this was evidenced through the example he set for each of us. He will be missed but his laughter and song will forever live in our hearts. Know that you are continually in our thoughts and prayers.
Robin Strickland and Family
September 5, 2006
I was blessed by the touching tributes and the love shown at the homegoing service of Deacon Johnson. There's no better legacy to leave for his family than a life of love and devotion to the Lord. The example that Deacon Johnsn set before his family has been a blessing to my family. Bishop J Jonhson (godfather) and Pastor Johnson (auntie)have blessed the lives of my children and me. You both have helped me be a better parent and christian through your love and devotion to the Lord. This is the legacy that you have helped me to create for my children. Just as Deacon Johnson did for you all,you are passing the mantle of holiness to me and every life that you have impacted through Jesus Christ. Thank God for the entire Johnson family and may God bless you.
Lynn Price
September 4, 2006
Uncle Zeke was very special to me. Every time I would visit Glade Spring I made sure I paid him a visit. During my last visits I was not sure he recognized me, but when I said I was Hannah's granddaughter, he would give me that beautiful smile that so reminded me of my Grandma and said, I know that's Lynn. How are you? As far back as I can remember I loved sitting in his presence and listing to him talk. I looked forward to his smile, because it reminded me so of my sweet grandma. He will be so missed, but I am Blessed to have known him and love him.
Addie Newman
September 2, 2006
May God continue to bless you and the family. My prayers are with you.
Blessings!
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John Jefferson
September 2, 2006
Daddy Zeke was a joy to talk to. I will always remember him singing hymns and smiling. I will always remember his wise counsel on marriage. He was my Daddy Zeke too. He was a blessing.
D. Yolanda Tumlin
September 1, 2006
Elder and Pastor Johnson,
My continual prayer is that our Heavenly Father will give you the strength, comfort, healing, and many fond memories of Daddy Zeke to console you for days, weeks, and years to come. Though you will miss him for now, you will see him again in Heaven.
Toni Williams
August 31, 2006
Mrs. Hill and Family,
I pray that you and your family will find comfort in the treasure of memories Daddy Zeke gave to each of you. Hold his words of wisdom and comical jokes close to your heart. May God bless you this day and always.
Love,
Michelle Taylor
August 31, 2006
To Pastor and Elder Johnson:
We would sincerely like to express our heartfelt condolences in your time of bereavement. We here at Trinity Deliverance are praying for you and want to let you know that we love you both. May GOD continue to keep you close to his heart during this time.
Jennifer Petticolas
August 30, 2006
Monroe Preston and family, trying to find words of comfort is difficult at a time like this. When I met your family, I quickly realized that your family believes strongly in the power of prayer. Prayer will be your blanket of comfort during this time. Through your prayers, you will feel the comfort of God, our Father, embracing you - easing your pain and drying your tears. God gave us the ability to create memories. Remember your Uncle Zeke. Tell his story. Share the family history he shared with you and Lynn. When you do this, he will continue to live. God said to your uncle, as He will say to us all, "It is time to come home."
God bless you.
Carrie Saunders
August 30, 2006
You and your family are in my prayers. May God keep his loving arms around you.
Brenda Tweed
August 30, 2006
To Mrs. Hill,Reece & ALL of the Family: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father/grandfather.I know he was a strong bond in your family and will be greatly missed! You all are in my heart and in my prayers.If there is anything I can do for any-one of you; please let me know! May GOD be ever so close and comfort each of you.
Samuel L. Carter Jr.
August 30, 2006
Elder Johnson,
We are in great sympathy for the lost of your dad. May God give you and your family comfort and much love.
Love
Samuel & Adrienne Carter
Andre' Gilliam
August 30, 2006
Our prayers go out to you in your time of need. May God Bless the Johnson Family and comfort them in the days ahead.
Love
Andre' Gilliam & Family
Joyce Vaughan
August 30, 2006
To Monroe and the Preston and Johnson families. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! How can we say THANKS for a beautiful and blessed life of almost an entire century? HALLELUJAH is the highest praise and that is the word for this hour. May GOD bless each of you and grant you the Peace that only HE can give, as we celebrate the life and homegoing of "Daddy Zeke". Remembering,GOD gave us memories so that we may have roses in December."Trust in the LORD with all thine heart..." Love and Blessings
Marilyn Lewis
August 30, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Vivian Luter
August 30, 2006
God is so wonderful, he shares his best with us, he shared daddy Ezekiel with you all. God gave his best for your heritage and your lives have been bless because of Ezekiel's life. Continue to walk in such a wonderful heritage. He fought the good fight in life now he has claimed his crown. My prayers are with you all. Love and Peace
Charlene (Hayes) Hill
August 30, 2006
To The Johnson Family:
I remember Daddy Zeke just as I remember my own grandfather, as someone who demonstrated daily and with no effort, the black man we rarely see in the media. He was a loved the Lord, his family and his community and taught his sons and daughters (and anyone else around him) to be the same way. Daddy Zeke was a major part of the "it takes a village" concept to raising children and I am greatful that I am a product of such an environment. He was a blessing to so many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I wish I could be there to share with "my extended family" as I did as a child. Your loss is my loss as well.
Linda Elliott
August 30, 2006
We are sadden by you loss. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. look to the hills whence cometh all of your help. Ps 121.1 Granddad we will miss you but we know you are in Jesus arms.Bishop And Pastor Johnson we are praying for the family. Deacon & Evangelist Linda Elliott, Landover Md.
Chérie Young
August 30, 2006
To Uncle James,
I was saddened to hear of the lost of your dad. In this world of uncertainty, having a firm foundation means everything. You and your family were very blessed to have a dad that loved and cared for you and never let you all down. Through his guidance, prayers and spankings it made you the man you are today. It was his love for the Lord Jesus that made him a GREAT dad.
"But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalms 37:11
Cynthia Bynum-Ellis
August 30, 2006
Elder Johnson:
My prayers are with you and the family during your time of sorrow. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 2 Corinthians 5:1
With all my love,
Your Niece
Mary Jo Waddell
August 30, 2006
Ann
Another link has been taken out of the chain from us. Mr. Zeke as I had to call him was a fine man and God rewarded him with more than his seven score. He lived a good and christian life and loved his wife, he is gone but never forgotten. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Mary Jo Washington-Waddell Roanoke, Va.
Mitchell Saunders
August 29, 2006
REST IN PEACE
Bisbop J. Roger Johnson
August 29, 2006
To My Family:
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the ALMIGHTY. Psalm 91:1.
What can I say about daddy, but that he was a man that loved his God, his family (all of them), and his church that he loved oh so well. We will all miss his sence of humor, and that BIG SMILE that would light up any room. I thank you dad for been my Daddy, not just a daddy, but an christian daddy to me, because of you I am what I am today. For over 76 years you live that Christian life to us as a Christian Husband, Daddy, Granddaddy, Grant Granddaddy, Grant Grant Granddaddy, Grant Grant Grant Granddaddy in the Glade Spring Community. I miss you daddy, but I will see you soon in the morning, love you!
Cathy Wilson
August 29, 2006
To you Jerry Hill,
Though I never meet your Daddy Zeke
I felt I knew him through your loving stories you have shared with me. God Bless you and keep you and your family at this time of sorrow
Cathy Wilson
Dawn Keyes
August 29, 2006
I will never forget the times that I spent with Mr. Johnson. He was a very fine man and I'm sure he will be missed. Love always, Dawn Keyes
Shelia Hill
August 29, 2006
We will all miss my grandfather "Daddy Zeke", but "living is only temporary, loving is forever".
Michelle Anderson
August 29, 2006
To the Hill family and my true friend Shelia, I was so sadden when I heard about Daddy Zeke. I have always loved him and his wonderful being. The very funny stories he has told and the very funny stories that I have heard, the man was truly an upbeat, always smiling, very loving and happy person. I feel sure that each of you have learned so much good from him.
Shelia my friend, lean on the Lord for strength for He will carry you through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong girlfriend, I love you.
Nancy (Goode) Baker
August 29, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the
Johnson family during this difficult
time. May you find strength in your faith,comfort in God's love and peace in knowing I am praying for you. I am so thankful I went to visit "Mr. Zeke" last month while in VA.
Virginia Berkley
August 28, 2006
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord;which made heaven and earth.Psalm 121.
To The Family of Mr.Ezekiel "Uncle Zeke"Johnson I relay to you my heartfelt
Sympathy,as I shall remember you in prayer.Just remember " Uncle Zeke is somewhere around God"s Throne" singing and praising God's
Holy name.
Ann Hill Jefferson
August 28, 2006
Daddy Zeke was the patriarch of our family, the father of our church and the grandfather of our community. He loved and was loved. His smile shall forever warm my heart. His sense of humor will always make me chuckle. His quiet spirit in the face of adversity lets me know he trusted God. Daddy Zeke, thank you for being an example of a Christian man in my life. Thank you for sharing your life and your love with me. Your granddaughter
Jonathan&Barbara Skipper
August 28, 2006
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Marvin Phibbs
August 28, 2006
To the Family: I have known of Zeke Johnson all my life around the Glade area...i know my biological Father knew him very well.....he was Rev. H. H. Phibbs....just down the hill...and my biological parents, the Bise family of McCalls Gap...both families and myself had the highest respect for Bro. Johnson..May God sustain you during your time of loss... and may the Good Lord grant a special blessing as u celebrate his home-going...Marvin H. Phibbs of Clarksville, TN & McCalls Gap
Sidney Nipper
August 28, 2006
I would like to express my sympathy to the family of Zeke Johnson.I worked with him for many years.He was a good man.
Pastor W. Rayburn Leeper
August 28, 2006
Be comforted by those who love you and blessed through the precious memories of a friend so dear. His memory is treasure to all who had the opportunity to spend time in Brother Johnson's presence.
Pastor and Mrs. W. Rayburn Leeper
1421 Roper Mountain Rd., Apt. #229
Greenville, SC 29615
Bertie (Mills)Lambert
August 28, 2006
My dad the late Bill Mills was a friend of Mr. Johnson.
Sympathy to the family
Tracy Shelley
August 28, 2006
Loosing a loved one is never an easy time. To know that you can never hug someone or tell them to their face how much they mean to you is one of the most difficult things to deal with in this life. I encourage you to find comfort and strength in the memories, for if you keep them close to your heart they will never fade away.
Anything I can do just call.
Fred Newman
August 28, 2006
Sheriff Fred Newman and the members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sympathy in the death of Mr. Johnson. If our Sheriff’s Office can be of assistance to you during your time of sadness, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sheriff Newman and Members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Jerry Hill
August 28, 2006
What a joy it was to have Daddy Zeke as my grandfather. He loved his friends, family, and the lord. Even in his decling health he always had a smile and something funny to say. He leaves behind many lessons learned, fond memories, and a kind spirit. God be with you until we meet again.
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