Harvey L. Johnson

Harvey L. Johnson, 76 of Aurora, IL transitioned to his eternal home on Tuesday, October 18, 2016.  Harvey was born August 16, 1940, to the late Nathan and Alice (Coakley) Johnson, in Campbellsville, Kentucky.   He united into marriage with Catherine M. Williams on May 27, 1961. To this union was born 5 miracles. Harvey and Catherine relocated to Batavia, Illinois and joined Logan Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Julius Boyd. Harvey was ordained a Deacon in 1963 at Logan Street Baptist Church.  He served at Logan Street until he moved his membership to Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, Aurora, Illinois where he served under the leadership of his pastor and dear friend Rev. John E. Nabors until he was injured in an auto accident on October 1, 2015.   Harvey was a pillar of strength to his family and community.  He always had encouraging words for his family and friends.  Harvey’s character was that of a God fearing man who loved the Lord and his family dearly.  He had an infectious smile that his children have deemed “The Harvey Johnson Smile.”  This smile can be seen through his children and grandchildren.  We will miss you our “Gentle Giant!”   Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Margaret Turner, Nellie Johnson, Adla Handley, and Pastor Ora Lee Johnson, and brothers Nathan, Jr., George, and Omar Spencer Johnson.   Harvey leaves to carry on his legacy his wife Catherine; 9 children: Alicia and Terry Nabors, Monica Johnson, Aurora, IL, Timothy and Diane Johnson, Batavia, IL, DeSonuia and Carlos Wise, Lesley and Oscar Paulding, Jr. , Columbus, GA.; 12 grandchildren, who affectionally call him “PopPop”: Surri and James Berry, Daniel Nabors, Rachel Johnson, Cedric and Kelly Arrington, David Arrington, Jessica and Megan Wise, Winston Johnson, Chelsea and Cameron Paulding; 5 great-granddaughters; special sons and daughters: Johnny and Shirley Johnson, Cleveland, OH, and Pearl and Kijetil Hamre, Bergen, Norway; special grandchildren, Tory and Tasha Taylor, Aurora, IL; 2 sisters, Brenda (Henry) Bennett, Louisville, KY, and Mary Ann McClough, Hodgensville, KY; 4 brothers Wilton, Paul (Ann), Rev. Carl (Mary Ann), Cleveland, OH, and James  Johnson, Louisville, KY; a great number of nieces, nephews, and friends; 2 special friends: Rev. Richard K. Waltmire, Eau Claire, WI; and his fishing  buddy, Robert Flagg, Aurora, IL. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Main Baptist Church, 814 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60505.  Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the church followed by committal service at River Hills Memorial Park, Batavia.