Rev. A. J. Johnson, Sr.

A.J. was the third child born to the late Carlie Johnson and Alice Williamson Johnson in Simpson County, MS on February 14, 1941.

Pastor Johnson transitioned from this life to his eternal home on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 10:05 a.m. in the VA Hospital.

After graduating from McLaurin Attendance Center in 1960, A. J. joined the Air Force and served for eight years in active duty and four years in the National Guard.  After leaving service he attended Jones Jr. College graduating with an Associate Degree and from Southeastern Baptist College with a Bachelors of Arts Degree, being the first black to graduate from the College.

Throughout his 57 years of ministry, Pastor Johnson pastored several churches: Leaf River, Queens Chapel, Mount Nebo, G Grove, Jerusalem, and Saint Mary. He touched so many lives throughout his life and brought many souls to Christ.

Pastor Johnson served as the moderator for the Spring Hill District Missionary Baptist Association from 1988 to 1996 (8 years).

At an early age, Pastor Johnson joined the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Mt Olive Mississippi, and later joined Sylvarena Baptist Church in Brandon, MS.

On December 26, 1962, A.J. was joined in holy matrimony to Joy Lee Johnson of Johns, Mississippi and to this union five children were born, Djuna, A.J. Jr., Angel, Raphael and Laura.   A.J. and Joy touched and improved countless lives throughout their ministry.  For years they worked tirelessly together, as a unit, showing love to everyone God allowed to cross their path.

A.J. leaves behind a host of family and friends who will cherish his memory:  His devoted wife of over 50 years Joy Johnson; children A.J. Jr., (Terresa), Angel (Willis), Raphael (Angel), Laura (Julius); a loving mother Alice Johnson; siblings, Sadie Lee, Carjester (Tina) Johnson, Dollie (David) Carter, Joyce Fleming, Carl Ray (Gloria) Johnson, and Paul B. (Denise) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Shirley Johnson, Ira Ebbs, Ersa Hall, Jean Johnson; and one brother-in-law, Silvanus Johnson; twenty-six grandchildren; two great-grands and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.  His daughter Djuna preceded him in death leaving behind a very special son, Matthew Simmons, whom they later adopted.  His father, Carlie Johnson, sister Daisy Harland, and brother Houston Johnson also preceded him in death.