Barney Johnny Johnson

Barney Johnson, better known as "Johnny" or "JJ", was born in Aiken, SC on February 27, 1951 to the late Martha L. Whitaker and Artis Johnson. After his mother passed away in 1961 (after 28 years of marriage), his father, Artis, met Miss Kelly and had a tenth child. In 1958, seven year old Johnny relocated to Brooklyn, NY, where he later attended Wingate High School in Crown Heights. His early life was marked by hardship, having lost his mother at nine years old. Johnny's personal life flourished upon meeting Rosemary Hightower in 1971. Rosemary had three children before uniting with Johnny, who lovingly raised them as his own, and they later welcomed a child of their own. Johnny had a zest for life. His dynamic personality was compelling,
placing him at the center. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, from the guys at the cigar shop to his former coworkers and everyone in between. He exuded enthusiasm and charm, embodying style, music, dance, and laughter. His cabaret shows were highly regarded, and he had notable acting credits in Broadway plays like Short Eyes and Straight from the Ghetto, as well as appearing in the motion picture Weeds alongside Nick Nolte and Ernie Hudson. Johnny was preceded in death by his son, Edward Hightower (Nazmeen Hightower); three sisters, Ethaleen "Tina" Corley, Mary Lillian Ross, and Barbara "Doll" Landy, and three brothers, Frampton Johnson, James "Junior" Johnson, and Roosevelt "Sonny" Johnson. Johnny leaves to mourn: His daughters, Simone Hightower (Hampton, GA), Starlette Moss (Queens, NY), and Lizette (Mark) Redwine (Long Island, NY); eight grandchildren, Jasmin Hightower, Shaquana Redwine, Shakeisha (Jerome) Simmons, Maliek (Shannon) Redwine, Edward "Pre" Hightower, De'Shawn Johnson, Marquis Redwine, and Donte Rolon; five great-grandchildren, Tristan Hightower, Olivia Redwine, Mason Simmons, Jayce Simmons, and Storme Rolon; three siblings; Careatha Williams (Brooklyn, NY), Joyce Johnson (Bobby) Aiken and Galelashaun Johnston (Charlotte, NC); he also leaves behind one very special and loving friend, Anisa Leslie, who was with him throughout his medical journey; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.