James L. Johnson

James Lee Johnson was born August 11, 1928 in Greenville, Mississippi. Beloved from birth, he was the fourth of fifteen children born to the late Elpertis and Bellmain G. Johnson. The Bible says to train up a child in the way he should go:and when he is old, he will not depart from it. That's exactly what James Lee's parents did for him. At an early age, he confessed his belief in Christ and was baptized at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Greenville. He remained a faithful and active member. There he served honorably as a Deacon for over 40 years. He was a student of the Greenville Public Schools. James Lee finished Lizzie W. Coleman High School in 1949. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and later worked for the Army Corp. of Engineers for 32 years. This strong man gave 36 years of service to his country. James Lee was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Emma Spencer on August 14, 1956. He and Emma were blessed with one son, Carlos Dwayne Johnson. James Lee departed this life at 11:07 AM on December 28, 2011 at Friendswood Healthcare Center in Friendswood, Texas. His dear parents preceded him in death, as did three of his sisters, Marjorie Johnson, Anna Jane (James) Middleton and Juanita (Henry) Bishop; and five of his brothers including, William (Lee Ester) Johnson, J. D. (Lillie Doris) Johnson, Everette (Pam) Johnson, Elpertis (Ann) Johnson, Jr. and Howard Mack Hayes (Doris) Johnson. He took pleasure in the simple things, like fishing, play Bid Whist and planning the church's Easter egg hunt. When James Lee talked, those around him listened. He admonished his family, especially the men, to always dee the lion's mouth. That was his way of teaching them to save. Celebrating his legacy of stength, James Lee leaves a kind and loving wife, Mary E. Johnson of Dickinson, Texas; a devoted son and daughter-in-law, Carlos and Linda Johnson of Dickinson, Texas; two brothers,Frances (Ethel) Johnson and Freddie Johnson of Greenville, MS; two sisters, Viola (Robert) Graves of Lindenwold, New Jersey and Jaquator (John) Berry of Greenville, MS; four grandchildren, William Reine' of Greenville, MS, Kishalan Henley of Dallas, TX, Hernando Lovings of Pacifica, CA and Derrick White of Jackson, MS; five sisters-in-law, Lillie Doris Johnson of Dickinson, Pam Johnson of Detroit,MI, Lee Ester Johnson of Gary, IN, Ethel Johnson of Greenville, MS and Doris Johnson of Greenville, MS. James Lee was a good man who will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, friends and the church families of New Mt. Moriah, Greenville, MS and Hopewell of Texas City, Texas.