Lester Johnson

John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Lester Johnson, age 73, was called home to be with the Lord, with his loving family by his bedside, on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

He attended Norfolk Public Schools as a student, and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. He was a retired Operations Manager for Stephen Laurie Manufacturing Company. As a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church, he served dutifully as the Communication Liaison of the Trustee Board, Vice President, and Secretary of the Usher Board. When he accepted the Lord, as his personal savior, he worked diligently to please the Lord in all areas of his life. Whatever the Lord put in his hands to do, he did so cheerfully and without hesitation. He was truly a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend, to those whom he loved so very much, in which he exhibited that unconditional love, as our Savior does, to all whom he encountered, witnessed to and counseled. He exhibited a warm, inviting, and pleasant personality, wherever he went, making others feel so very comfortable in his presence. He often shared words of wisdom, and encouragement to family members, friends, and strangers (of which he never met one). His smile could be seen miles away, illuminating the atmosphere of those around him. He was a father figure to many because of his ability to make you feel loved, valued and appreciated during any conversations with him.  He had a natural gift and talent for drawing people to him, because of his love and compassion for them. He made you feel right at home, in his presence, even if he just met you.  It was the essence of God’s Love and the Holy Spirit, which dwelt in him, and illuminated continuously until the very end. He spent his final days on earth, praising, worshiping, and thanking God for saving him and blessing him with a wonderful family.

He was predeceased by his mother, Elnora Johnson and sisters, Virginia Cuthrell and Ruby Johnson.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, and loving wife of 52 years, Carolyn Johnson, and from this union came three children: Two Daughters, Renee Parks (Philip) of Suffolk, Rev. Anissa Bishop of Virginia Beach, and One Son, Lester Jermaine Johnson of Victoria; Three Grandsons, Antonio Johnson of Virginia Beach, Jaquane Williams of Chester, Jullian Bishop Jr. of Virginia Beach, and One Granddaughter, Julissa Bishop of Virginia Beach; Three Great-Grandchildren, Arianna Johnson of Chesapeake, Jace Johnson of Chesapeake, and Jomar Deloatch of Chesapeake; His Siblings: Two Sisters, Naomi Murff (Willie) of Indianapolis, IN, and Shirley Johnson of Norfolk, and One Brother, Charlie Johnson of Chesapeake; One Brother-In-Law, Albert Gill Sr. (Shelby) of Norfolk, and Four Sisters-In-Laws, Janet Gill-Perez (Carlos) of Norfolk, Kimberly Gill of Norfolk, Juanita Gill of Virginia Beach, and Beverly Gill of Norfolk; Special Nephews, Melvin Johnson (Dorothy) of Georgia, and Hayward Cuthrell, Jr of Portsmouth; Special Nieces,  Denise Johnson of Norfolk, and Sebrina Malone (Anthony) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Special Friend/Brother, Fred Colston (Maxine) of Chesapeake, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.