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Lemuel Cleaves Johnson Jr.

1922 - 2019

Lemuel Cleaves Johnson Jr. obituary, 1922-2019, Portsmouth, VA

BORN

1922

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Dinoto Funeral Home

17 Pearl St.

Mystic, Connecticut

Lemuel Johnson Obituary

GROTON: Lemuel Cleaves Johnson Jr. (Lem), 97, of Groton died Thursday, December 19, 2019 at home. He is predeceased by his first wife of 37 years, Jacqueline Hutchins Johnson as well as his second wife of 28 years, Maude Williams Johnson.

Lem was born in Burkeville, VA on August 15, 1922, the son of Earlie Mae (Cook) and Lemuel C. Johnson Sr. He was raised in Portsmouth, Virginia where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Virginia Tech for one year and then joined the US Army. He was a WWII Veteran and received 4 medals while serving in Germany. He was employed and retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA after 30 years. He went on to work at Associated Naval Architects, Portsmouth, VA and retired after 10 years.

Lem was an avid golfer and achieved three holes in one at Elizabeth Manor Golf Course, where he received a Lifetime Membership. He was Past Master of Seaboard Lodge No. 56 in Portsmouth, VA (1960, 1978). He was a member of Alliance Christian Church in Portsmouth VA and kept in touch with many members there after moving to CT. He loved the cards and phone calls he got from there. After moving to CT, he joined Second Baptist Church in North Stonington and made many dear friends. Lem loved the Lord family and his friends. Once he moved to CT he was referred to by many as "the Southern gentleman". He was a bright light wherever he went.

He is survived by his children, Lemuel C. Johnson III (Johnny) of Wilmington, NC, Thomas E. Johnson (Doc) of Suffolk, VA, and Sherry and her husband David Gruszkowski of Ledyard, CT. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters, Earlie Mae Brosterhous of Hemet, CA, and Mary Lou Daughety of Portsmouth, VA.

Lem's chidren would like to thank Grace Cirino and her company, "Love You Like a Sister" and Ane Torres for their loving support and care for their Dad.

A Memorial Service will be held in CT and A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4, 2020, at 11:00am at Harmony at Harbour View (The Crossings) in Suffolk VA

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Dec. 29, 2019.

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5 Entries

Marc Adams

January 1, 2020

We knew him as "MR J" and he was (and always will be) one of our very special friends. Back in the late 80's at "The Manor", we became great golfing friends and we had wonderful times playing against other golf clubs in the area. Even after his golfing days were over and he had moved up to CT, we spoke often about those days. We had the pleasure of visiting with him (and Sherry) last year and I have a picture of his "Mercedes-Benz" emblem on his walker to keep as a fond memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the great man.

Eric Fierst

December 30, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May the lords protective shield cover you and ease your sorrow. Wor. Lem Johnson has laid down his working tools and traveled to the celestial lodge above.

Eric Fierst
Worshipful Master
Seaboard 56, Portsmouth, VA

Patricio, Grace & Michaela Cirino

December 30, 2019

We had the pleasure of meeting your family 11 months ago first Emily then Sherry finally my special Southern Gentleman Lem. Not only was it a blessing, it was Gods Devine plan of faith, leadership and care giving support to be shared between my LYLAS team of loving Christian caregivers and the admiration and hospitality of a family who exemplified Gods Love and Peace.

Dana Seekins

December 29, 2019

Oh my Lem!!!You are a beautiful soul,still,to me and all who knew you at Solstice senior living!!I'll never forget our talks,our laughs,and especially our hugs!!!I love you so much and will never ever forget you or your sweet smiling face!!

Ane Torres

December 29, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family. I consider myself blessed to have had the pleasure of getting to know Lem and thoroughly enjoyed our many conversations! He will be missed.

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Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Lemuel Johnson

Jan

2

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Solstice Senior Living

425 Drozdyk Drive, Groton, CT 06355

Jan

4

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Harmony at Harbour View (The Crossings)

Suffolk, VA 06355

Funeral services provided by:

Dinoto Funeral Home

17 Pearl St., Mystic, CT 06355

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