LINK TO VIEW LIVE SERVICE FOR JONATHAN J. JOHNSON SR. - https://Youtube.com/live/6du5v1qMESQ?feature=share

Today, we gather to celebrate the remarkable life of a man who wore many titles: Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Great-Great Grandfather, Uncle, Fraternity Brother, Air Force Veteran, Athlete, and Friend.

Born on August 1, 1936, Jonathan entered this world with a spirit of determination that would define him for nearly 89 years.  Raised alongside his beloved siblings; Etta Johnson and James (“Teri”) Johnson.  Proceeded in death by: George (Pat) Johnson and Ernest Johnson.  He learned early the value of family, loyalty and hard work.

As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force.  His discipline and resilience shone brightly there, qualities that followed him throughout his life.  Alongside his military service, he found passion and power in the boxing ring, where his quick feet and strong fists earned respect and admiration.

He also found brotherhood in his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, as a Que he embodied the fraternity’s principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.  He cherished those bonds and the lifelong friendship that grew from them.

Family, however, was always his heart.  He was the proud father of Myron (Elveeta) Chestnut, Jonathan (Nora) Johnson Jr., Kevin (Staci) Johnson, Cynthia Smith, and Tiffany (Bryan) Cepak.  To his children, he was a source of strength and wisdom, always reading his Bible and stressing to always treat people right.

His love expanded to his grandchildren: Quatoya (Jakino) Tyson, Jonathan Jonhnson III, Candice Johnson, Shantel Johnson, Tia Johnson, Lakesha (Marc) Emilcar, Laquita Smith, Aritha Smith (MeMe), Domanique (Rachael) Sandifer, Sarah Sandifer, Tiffany Charles, Ashley (John) Soden, Nicholas (Ashley) Chestnut and nine other grandchildren.  In each of them, a piece of his spirit lives on whether in a smile, a laugh, or the quiet determination to keep going no matter the challenge.

His legacy reached further still to his great-great grandchildren: Aniya Bufford, Priya Pearson, Kenneth Jonson, Samiya Mitchell, Makhaii Borney, Bailey Sandifer, Khile Sandifer (Deceased), Dejon Walker Jr. (DJ), Brianna Johnson (Bryson Johnson), Nkosi Asad Kafele, Ty Henderson, Kaen Woods, Aubrey Woods, Reagan Tyson and Rhyan Tyson.  They are the newest branches of the family tree he nurtured so lovingly.

Grandpa was a man who believed in discipline but also in joy.  He loved music, sports, good conversation, and time spent with family.  He taught us all the meaning of perseverance.  The importance of carrying ourselves with dignity, and the power of faith and love.