Gill Bernard Johnson

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Gill B. Johnson was called home on January 22, 2016. Gill was born December 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Roosevelt Johnson, Sr. and Ida H. Johnson. On December 23, 1969 he married the love of his life, Dianna (Dee) Johnson. Gill graduated from Scotlandville High School in 1967 and attended Alcorn State University for two years where he played football. For 39 years, he was a hard-working truck driver and a proud member of the Teamsters Local 745 where he served as Union Steward and Trustee. He was a member of the Teamsters National Black Caucus and Political Action Committee. He was passionate about serving the community and sat on the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem Foundation and the Sankofa Foundation. He was a thoughtful and loyal friend that was dedicated to helping others. His daughters, Rhodeshia and Kimberly, adored him, but he was affectionately called ‘Dad’ by countless others. He was looked up to by many for his wisdom and steadfast encouragement. He had two loving brothers, Roosevelt and Ronald, but many more called Gill their brother. His heart was so big and his need to look out for others so earnest that anyone who encountered him could not help but feel special. Left to cherish and celebrate his memory is his devoted wife, Dee; his loving daughters, Rhodeshia and husband Ben and Kimberly and husband Damien; grandchildren, Miles, Nyah, Kingston, Ilahna and Imeli; his brothers, Roosevelt and Ronald and wife Rebecca; and a host of loving nieces and nephews and other relatives and close friends. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Laurel Land Funeral Home. Repast will be noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX 75149