William Johnson

1935 - 2023

William "Bill" Johnson
Alton - William Eli Johnson was born February 08, 1935, in Alton Illinois, as the seventh of 10 children to Cyrus and Cornelia (Keen) Johnson. After attending grade school in Alton, Illinois, he went on to graduate from Alton Senior High School, after which, he enlisted in the military, where he honorably served in the Army as a Military Policeman. He married the love of his life, Olivia Janice (Green) Johnson in 1965 and their amazing union would last over 50 years. His employment career, which he proudly worked until he was in his 80's, centered primarily in the security and sales industry. He had an ideal personality for it, and it was clear that he enjoyed the interaction of meeting and talking to people from all walks of life. William, or as most people called him, "Bill" was a Man of God and devoted his life to his faith and family. He was an active member of St. James Baptist Church, where he enjoyed his lifelong love of music by singing in the choir. His fellowship with members during and after church was what he enjoyed most. William Eli Johnson received eternal rest and peace Monday September 25, 2023, while convalescing at home. He was blessed with 88 years. He is survived by children, Olivia J. Quarles, St. Louis, Missouri; Cynthia (Larry) Tyler, Matteson, Illinois: Butch (Regina) Woolfolk, Sugar Land, Texas: and Vanessa Upper of Alton, Illinois: 12 grandchildren: Teresa, Raymond, Olivia, Charles, Mark, Leslie, Cecil, Ashley, Dorothy, Jarrel, Troy, Ronnie: 12 great-grandchildren, Samantha Nadia, Jaylin, Jada, Ronnie Jr., Olivia, Jaiden, Madison, Olani, Sienna, Anika and Jiselle: 5 siblings, Mary Hyndman, Harold (Evelyn) Johnson, Lloyd (Minnie) Johnson, Alvin (Thelma) Johnson, Adele (Willie) Carpenter, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by three sons, Ralph Miller, Leonard Miller and Rodney Woolfolk, his grandson Anthony McMoore, siblings Cyrus Johnson, Virginia Ward, Cora Darden, and Lucille Piggot. Visitation Monday October 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at St. James Baptist Church. Burial Upper Alton Cemetery. Cathy M. Williams & Sons Funeral Home in Alton.