Kenneth Joseph Johnson

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
Kenneth Joseph Johnson was the second son and fifth child born to the late Walter E. Johnson Sr. and the late Clytie Marchand Johnson. He was born on February 4, 1956. A proud son of Desire, Kenneth grew up on Piety Street.
Kenneth received the sacrament of Baptism at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church as an infant. He was raised in the church, attending Mass every Sunday with his parents and siblings. Kenneth attended school at St. Philip Elementary School where he received his First Communion and Confirmation. After elementary school, Kenneth attended St. Augustine High School for two years, before transferring to George Washington Carver Senior High School, graduating in 1974. He was a proud Carver Ram where he played defensive and offense tackle on the football team. Kenneth was known by several nicknames including: Beaver (Daddy), Jughead (Uncle Flip), Boo-Boo (Uncle Doc), Ken, and Cap'n Crunch (football days).
As a young man, Kenneth worked for the Harbor Police Department before serving many years at the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board from which he retired in 2017. Kenneth departed this life on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the age of 68. At a time chosen by God, Kenneth slipped away in peaceful slumber. He will forever be known for his colorful jokes and joie de vivre. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter E. Johnson Sr.; his mother, Clytie Marchand Johnson; and his granddaughter, Kirsten Renee Christina Holley.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Bertha Mary Oliver Johnson, and his two daughters, Latoya Marie Johnson-Holley (Barry) of Lacey, WA and Christina Maria "Mutt" Johnson of Slidell, LA. He is also survived by his five brothers, Walter Jr., Eric (Pamela) of LaPlace, LA, Warren (Tami) of Fredericksburg, VA, Gerard (Kemberly) of Marrero, LA, and Michael (Kathie) of Simi Valley, CA; six sisters, Roslyn (Felipe) Smith, Sharon Johnson, Dianne (Lionel) Jupiter, Wanda Williams of Biloxi, MS, Claudia (Austin) Uduh of Euless, TX, and Gail (Alex) Iheke of Elizabeth, NJ; and two sisters-in-law, Stella Brule and Hilda Roberta DeGruy.
He also leaves behind to mourn five grandchildren, Xavier Christian Dominic Johnson, Marc Antony Octavian Johnson, Barry Leonard Holley III, Madisen Rene "Alex" Holley, and Kenneth Joseph Milton Holley. Additionally, he leaves scores of nieces, nephews, relatives, co-workers, and friends too numerous to name. Kenneth loved everyone dearly. You know who you are!
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A Funeral Mass officiated by Reverend Father Jorge Gomez will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Following the Mass, a repast will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Kenneth will be laid to rest in Audubon Memorial Gardens in a private graveside service at a later date. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com