Bishop Joseph Hosea Johnson

Bishop Joseph Hosea Johnson, 90, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 4:49 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, peacefully at his home.
Bishop Johnson was born on July 24, 1935, in Benoit, MS, one of 17 children born to Charlie and Letha Mae (Smith) Johnson. His father died when he was 6 years old, leaving his mother to raise the 17 children alone. At the tender age of 12 he invited the Lord into his life.
At the age of 18 Bishop Johnson relocated to Peoria where he met and married Annie Jo Hunter. From this union came two sons, Joel and Jonathan. His call to a life of ministry came after he joined New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. This call led to four years in Chicago for seminary at Chicago Baptist Institute.
Following his return to Peoria, Bishop Johnson was a community worker for the State of Illinois Department of Corrections, working with troubled youth. After eighteen months he became a probation officer. He was promoted to Director of Juvenile Court Services three years later. Bishop Johnson was the first African-American to be appointed to that position and served for 37 years.
His pastoral history with Star of Hope Full Gospel Church, formerly Star of Hope Missionary Baptist Church, began as an interim pastor in October of 1967. He was ordained and installed the permanent pastor in March of 1968, also fulfilling other pastoral duties at the same time for Peoria Christian Church and First United Methodist Church. He participated in the Cursillo Movement for 31 years, having the opportunity to minister at 39 prison sites in Illinois. For over 40 years his ministry reached outside the United States, touching Liberia, Trinidad, and Tobago.
Under his dynamic and life changing leadership, Star of Hope saw countless miracles of salvation, healing, and deliverance take place; he himself being healed from cancer in both lungs after only two years into his pastoral leadership. He served as a role model in the community and a beacon from within the church.
Bishop Johnson was an extremely loving and giving man. He was the foster father to many young men but also a father in Christ to a multitude of young men and women. Countless people were beneficiaries of his generosity. For example, to assist those in need, he helped in sending 30 students to college and purchased 12 homes and 33 cars for others. Additionally, he donated funds to many local churches and community organizations, including The United Usher Board of Peoria. God has truly used this great man of God to have a very deep, wide, long, and high reach in impacting lives for the Kingdom.
Bishop Johnson leaves to cherish his most precious memory one son, Jonathan "Jon" Johnson, Sr. of Westmont, IL, four additional children whom he loved as his own, Roderick "Rod" Jordan of Peoria, IL, Daniel (Elizabeth) Billberry of Chula Vista, CA, Kenton Young of California and Illinois State Representative Jehan (Derrick) Gordon Booth of Peoria, IL; one brother, Willie Johnson of Greenville, MS; one sister, Bernice Johnson of Detroit, MI; six grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, foster children, nieces, nephews, other family, his church family and friends who loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Joel Johnson, his foster son, Ralph Wrightner Stuckey and 14 siblings.
A visitation will be held at 4 pm until 6 pm on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Star of Hope Full Gospel Church, 417 W. Romeo B. Garrett Ave., Peoria, IL 61605.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at St. Paul Peoria Church with a 1 and a half-hour visitation prior at 8:30 am. Pastor Vance Jordan, Jr. will officiate and Pastor Deveraux Hubbard will bring forth the eulogy. Bishop Johnson will be entombed at Parkview Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church, Star of Hope Full Gospel Church.
Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at SimonsMortuary.com.