Abner Johnson Sr.

Abner Johnson, Sr., affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by family and friends, was born on January 17, 1919, in Luling, Texas, to the union of Austin and Emma Johnson. Abner only completed middle school but deserves high honor for his love of God and family. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. On September 1, 1937, he married the love of his life, Mildred Rodgers Johnson. From this union, eleven children were born, eight boys and three girls. Together they shared 74 years of marriage. Abner worked for Dallas Independent School District for 17 years at Davis W. Carter High School. He was the head custodian when he retired. Abner and his family were members of St. Annie A.M.E. Church in Austin, Texas, where he served as the head usher as well as a Steward. In 1971, Abner moved his family to Dallas, Texas, where they united with Rice Chapel A.M.E. Church. He organized the usher board and was the president for many years. The male usher board was given his name “The Abner Johnson Sr. Male Usher Board”. He loved his old-school 1966 Chevrolet. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, his wife, three sons, two grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Big Daddy leaves to cherish his precious memories: five sons, Lenard Johnson (Tina), Alfred Johnson (Norma), Ronald Johnson, Sr. (Renae), Standley Johnson (Beth), and Bryant Johnson; three daughters, Dorthy Jones, Bobbie Day (Elijah), and Wanda Johnson; thirty grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Earnest Johnson; and one sister, Mammie Harderman.