EPHRAIM JOHNSON

Early Tuesday morning, January 16, 2018, Mr. Ephraim Johnson, Jr., affectionately known as "Preacher", went to sleep in the Lord at Colonial Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born September 17, 1923, in Prince George County to the late Eliza and Ephraim Johnson, Sr.

Known as a man of few words, Ephraim was very kind, quiet and gentle, and his compassion for others was valued and very much appreciated. He was eager to learn, was very skilled in automotive, mechanical and home repairs, and retired from Allied Chemical in Hopewell, after 30 years of loyal employment.

As a devoted member of Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church, his fervent love for God and his church family was evidenced by his many years of services as a deacon, assistance with community services, visitation ministry, and church transportation. Ephraim loved to praise God with music and song, and held special appreciation for the hymn; "When We All Get to Heaven." Afternoon prayer services were very special to him and he attended church faithfully until precluded by failing health.

Ephraim was preceded in death by the love of his life, Florence Johnson, to whom he was married for sixty seven years; sons, Ephraim Jr. and Kevin Johnson; sisters, Flora McDaniel, Melinda Williams and Roberta Matthews.

He leaves to cherish his memories: one sister, Caretha Tynes; one son, Ronald Johnson; four daughters, Gloria Swann, Carolyn Ford, Deloris Johnson, and Patricia Mayes (Stanley); a grandson, Phillip Swann, Jr. (Theresa); eight granddaughters, Michele Swann, Kanika Ford, Arica Waters, Jamay Jenkins (D'Venzio), Jenita Johnson, Calisa Edwards (Robert), Aronda Williams (Calvin) and Cherrall Brown (Mark); ten great-grandchildren, Jonathan Swann, Jeremy Swann, Jalyn Ford, Jamison Waters, Jorion Waters, T'arie Bland, Jamel Jenkins, Johari Edwards, Zaire Williams and Josiah Brown.

Slow but sure enough; he fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith: now he awaits the promised return of the Lord Jesus Christ who has laid up for him a crown of righteousness.

Service for Mr. Ephraim Johnson will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church, 310 W. South Boulevard, Petersburg, VA, Pastor Stanley Mayes, eulogist. Interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will assemble at 12 noon the day of the service and will receive friends at 216 Southwood Drive, Petersburg, VA.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Johnson at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.