Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson, 70, of Monroe, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, in Atlanta.

To know Calvin was to know warmth, kindness, and a genuine heart that left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger, whose friendly personality could leave you feeling loved and seen, and whose compassion and genuineness lifted countless lives throughout his journey.

Born into a large and loving family, Calvin entered this world on December 4, 1954, in Innis, Louisiana. He graduated from Batchelor High School in 1972 and shortly after moved to Chicago, IL, where he began building the foundation for the life he dreamed of. In 1981, Calvin married the love of his life, Saundra Kinnebrew, and together they built a marriage rooted in love, faith, and resilience. In 1997, they moved to Athens, GA, where they continued building on their promises to one another and created a life filled with joy, resilience, and inspiration for all who knew them.

Calvin lived a life defined by kindness, perseverance, and love for his family. Born and raised in a small town, he carried with him a deep appreciation for family and hard work, values instilled by his parents at an early age. In addition to those values, he dedicated his life to God and served as a Deacon at Sweet Holy Spirit Church in Chicago, IL. Throughout his career, Calvin was admired not only for his dedication and pride in his work but also for his ability to inspire those around him with his steady encouragement and warm smile.

Outside of work, he cherished the simple moments that became precious memories for him—travels and adventures with Saundra, attending his grandkids’ games, and being present for those he loved. Above all, Calvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose presence made every gathering better.

Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, George and Albertha, and five brothers, George Jr., Leroy, Eddie, Ernest Sr., and Arthur.

Calvin leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Saundra Johnson. He also leaves behind three sons; Charles, Calvin (Vanessa), and Jeremy, who carry forward his strength and wisdom; his beloved grandchildren, Ella and Carter, who were the absolute joy of his later years; his three deeply cherished sisters, Vera Lee (Tom) of Joliet, Illinois, Audrey Johnson of Lockport, Illinois, and Carolyn Gross of Chicago, Illinois; and his brother, James Gage of Louisiana; brother in law, Lynell Kinnebrew of Calumet City, IL and sister in law, Vivian Whitlow of Winder. He will also be remembered by a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who treasured him as a steady source of love and support.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 p.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Though Calvin’s time on earth has ended, his legacy lives on in the stories told, the love he shared, and the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him. His life was a testament to the power of kindness, family, and enduring love.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our loving family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, as well as our Mountain West Church family, for your kindness, expressions of sympathy and love during our time of bereavement. We simply cannot find words adequate enough to convey our appreciation. May God bless you all.

Arrangements are in the care of Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, Georgia 30606.