Hyder Lee Johnson

Hyder Lee Johnson was born August 28, 1936 in Tillar, Arkansas. He spent most of his formative years in Desha and Drew counties. He was the son of the late Isaiah and Connie Johnson. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age and joined St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church in Tillar, Arkansas. After relocating to the community of Reed, he joined the Loggy Bayou M.B. Church of Tillar, where he served tirelessly until he relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He later joined the New St. Hurricane Baptist Church under the leadership of his beloved pastor, Rev. Derick Easter. Hyder loved his new church family and was faithful there.

In his former church, Loggy Bayou, Hyder was a deacon for over fifty years, Sunday school superintendent for several years, an overseer of the planning and building of the new church, and maintaining much of the church's upkeep.

Hyder's education began in a one room school in the Tillar community and continued as he entered Wolf Project High School, graduating in 1954. Hyder enrolled at A. M. and N. College, now The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and received a B. S. Degree in Biology.

While at A. M. and N. College, Hyder met and developed a relationship with Deborah Branch, which grew and led to a marriage that lasted 66 years and 3 months.

Hyder entered the workforce in Los Angeles, CA as a mail clerk with the U.S. Postal Service. In 1959, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was sent to Ft. Detrick in Frederick, MD. His laboratory assignment was to increase the virulence of Pasteurella Pestis as a possible biological warfare agent. In 1961, his service as a bacteriologist ended and he received an honorable discharge.

Hyder's career in education began in 1962 with the Lake Village School District, where he taught science. Later he was hired as the principal at Gentry Elementary School in Watson, Arkansas. He served four years in that capacity. Next, he was hired by the Dumas Public School District, where he taught biological sciences for twenty-eight years and drove a school bus for twenty-six of those years.

While teaching in Dumas, Hyder received a National Science Scholarship to attend Texas Southern University, where he received a M.S. degree in Molecular Biology. In 1991 Hyder received a National Science stipend to participate in three summers of science research at UAMS in Little Rock. In 1995, he retired from teaching after thirty-three years of service.

In addition to teaching, Hyder contributed to the Dumas community for several years by serving in the following roles: Summer Park Director, a charter member of the Youth Improvement Club, Friends of the Library (Board Member), Dumas Housing Authority (Chairman of the Board), and Single Parent Organization (Board Member).

Hyder enjoyed membership and participation in the following organizations: Masonic Lodge #65, a founding member of the UAPB/A.M. &N. Southeast Arkansas Alumni Chapter, Dumas Education Association, Arkansas Education Association, National Education Association, Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, Desha County Retired Teachers Association, and honorary member of the Watson District Baptist Association of Mitchellville, Arkansas.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and purchasing, renovating, remodeling, and leasing houses and a doctor's office to members of the community. The business remains successful and is managed by his children.

Hyder was at peace and surrounded by family when he moved into his Heavenly home that God prepared for him.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife and soul-mate Deborah Branch Johnson, children, Dexter (Karla) Johnson, Andre (Loretta) Johnson, and Stephaney (Tommy) Bennett who will forever carry his love and guidance. Hyder is survived by 5 grandchildren, and seven great-grand-children. His legacy lives on through each of them. His memory is also cherished by Lorrain (Rev. Jesse) Radford, Herschell (Paula) Johnson, and Zeleandor Jennings and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaiah and Connie Johnson, and brothers Fred Jones, Isaiah Johnson, Jr., and Albert Johnson.

Obituary submitted by The Family.

Arrangements will be announced by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR.