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Lemuel Johnson Obituary
Lem was born in Burkeville, Va. Aug. 15, 1922, the son of Earlie Mae (Cook) and Lemuel C. Johnson Sr. He was raised in Portsmouth, Va. where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Virginia Tech for one year, and then joined the United States Army. He was a WWII veteran and received four medals while serving in Germany. He was employed by Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va. and retired from there after 30 years. He went on to work at Associated Naval Architects in Portsmouth, retiring after ten years.
Lem was an avid golfer and achieved three holes in one at the Elizabeth Manor Golf Course, where he received a lifetime membership. He was past master of Seaboard Lodge No. 56 in Portsmouth (1960, 1978). He was a member of Alliance Christian Church in Portsmouth and kept in touch with many members there after moving to Connecticut. He loved the cards and phone calls he got from friends there. After moving to Connecticut, he joined the Second Baptist Church in North Stonington and made many more dear friends. Lem loved the Lord, family and his friends. After his move, 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 "Johnny" C. Johnson III of Wilmington, N.C., Thomas "Doc" E. Johnson of Suffolk, Va. and Sherry and her husband David Gruszkowski of Ledyard. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters, Earlie Mae Brosterhous of Hemet, Calif. and Mary Lou Daughety of Portsmouth, Va.
Lem's children 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 at 2 p.m. Thursday Jan. 2, 2020, at Solstice Senior Living, 425 Drozdyk Drive, Groton.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory. The Dinoto Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lemuel Johnson
Sponsored by Dinoto Funeral Home.
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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