Cleophas Charles Johnson Jr.

Pastor Cleophas Charles Johnson Jr., 60, of Lexington, Kentucky, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:06 a.m. Friday March 14, 2025 at Saint Joseph (Main) Hospital in Lexington with his wife, Evelyn Johnson, by his bedside.
A native of Chicago, he was born to the late Cleophas Charles Johnson Sr. and Irene Cannon Johnson on November 26, 1964.
He was founder and full-time pastor of Temple of Prayer Church of God in Christ in Lexington for 26 years and member of Kentucky First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, served as District Superintendent for the New Millennial District Church of God in Christ, served as Chair of the Pastors and Elders Council for Tennessee Eastern First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, served as Sergeant of Arms for the Judiciary Board for the National Church of God in Christ, was a National Evangelist for the Church of God in Christ, was a gifted church musician (organist) at his church and a talented recording artist with several musical works.
He had worked as a social worker (Juvenile Probation Officer) in the state of Florida, had obtained bachelor degrees in Experimental Psychology, Theology, and a minor degree in Communication, all through Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, was a star basketball player with Curie High School in Chicago for 4 years, went on to play basketball for Millikin University, was a neighborhood basketball baller, and was given the keys to the City of Lexington.
In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by one deceased brother Cleophas Briscoe.
Leaving behind to cherish his loving memories is his loving and devoted wife, First Lady Evelyn A. Smalley Johnson of Lexington; one son, Cleophas C. Johnson III of Lexington; two daughters, Ashley Browning of Champaign, Illinois and Angela (Charles) Perry of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers, Kevin C. (Arnetta-Rie) Johnson of Zimmerman, Illinois and Clifford (Sharee M.) Johnson of East Chicago, Indiana; two sisters, Rita (Howard) Johnson of Springfield, Massachusetts and Phyllis (Clarence) Fulton of Madison, Wisconsin; three grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His life will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. (eastern time) on Saturday March 29, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky.
Pastor Kevin Johnson (his brother) will be eulogist.
Burial will be in Evergreen Memory Gardens in Lexington.
Visitation and wake services will be from 11:00 a.m. (eastern time) until service time Saturday at the church.
All floral arrangements should be sent and received at the church for the service on Saturday.
Elliott-Bowles Mortuary in Madisonville, Kentucky is handling his professional services and arrangements.
Condolences can be shared with the family at www.elliottmortuarycares.com.
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