Obituary of Joseph Anthony Johnson

Joseph Anthony Johnson was born September 26, 1928, to Joseph Quiller and Josephine Lucille Johnson in Greenville, South Carolina. They both preceded him in death. He attended Rock Creek School in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

Joseph met Margaret Byrd in the summer of 1947 and following a two-year courtship, he proposed to her, and they married February 12, 1949. In February 1999, they celebrated their Golden Year “50^th Wedding Anniversary” with family and friends. They also received a “Proclamation” from the City of Monroe and Governor John Engler’s office congratulating them on their milestone.

Joseph was baptized in Jesus’ Name and received the Gift of the Holy Spirit in 1950 under the Pastorate of the late District Elder Isaac Rivers. He was also under the Pastorate of the late Julia Rowe (Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church); the late Bishop Milton Jackson (Apostolic House of Prayer); Pastor Willie Elam, III (former City of Faith Christian Center) and his current Pastor, Bishop Gary Harper (Greater Grace Temple – Taylor). He was a very faithful and dedicated member, serving in various roles in the church.

Joseph was employed by the New York Central Railroad from 1950 to 1958, followed by employment with the City of Monroe. During his employment he successfully completed training and was duly accredited as a Union Counselor for Teamsters Local 214. He retired from the City of Monroe after twenty-nine years of service and was affectionally known as “Jack Hammer Joe.”  

Joseph was loved by his children and would often tell the story about Anna “Lucille” following him to work one day. He looked back and spotted her and had to turn around, take her by the hand and take her home. She was such a daddy’s girl. Joseph was always involved in his children’s educational affairs. He attended every “Parent-Teachers” Conference, every basketball, football, and baseball game his children were involved in. He also attended every choir concert his daughters participated in. His favorite quote was “You May Not Get What You Want, But I’ll Make Sure You Have What You Need.”

Joseph’s interests included playing the guitar, walking, and serving as a barber, cutting hair for first and second generation of men in Monroe for years. Joseph also had a beautiful voice and shared his vocal talents during Black History Month, singing his rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. He also sung in gospel quartets. While in the nursing facility, you could hear him singing praises unto the Lord and was often requested to sing for the staff and residents.

Joseph was an encouragement to everyone. He visited the sick and shut in and was always willing to be of service to those in need. He was affectionately known as “Elder Johnson” by many people in Monroe. He was loved by EVERYONE and never met a stranger.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Joseph Anthony Johnson departed this life peacefully with family and his Pastor, Bishop Gary Harper, by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret; three sons: Stanley, David, and Calvin; one grandson, Alexander Johnson; one granddaughter, Shantee Johnson; a brother, Melvin Owens, Jr. and a sister, Thelma (William, Sr.) Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory: three daughters, JoAnne (Julius) Michael of Detroit; Anna Johnson and Vienta Johnson both of Monroe; two sons, Robert (Barbara) Johnson of Kalamazoo and Jessie (Hazelette) Johnson of Monroe; seventeen grandchildren; forty-eight great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; a special cousin Mr. Lewis Hood from Sacramento, California and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 3:00 until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Joseph will lie in state from 10:00 until 11:00am on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Stewart Road Church of God; 1199 Stewart Road, Monroe, Michigan 48162. A Homegoing Celebration will take place at 11:00am at the church followed by a procession to Woodland Cemetery in Monroe for burial.

Online guests may leave words of comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com