Herbert Johnson Sr, age 78, a native of Morgan City, Louisiana and resident of Gibson, Louisiana transitioned peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at St. James Baptist Church 6319 S. Bayou Black Drive Gibson, Louisiana. Burial will follow in the St. James Baptist Church Cemetery in Gibson, Louisiana.
Herbert was born on August 5, 1947 in Morgan City, Louisiana to the late Henry Johnson, Sr and Alzena Anderson Johnson.
Herbert was baptized at St. James Baptist Church in Gibson, Louisiana under the leadership of the late Reverend Eugene Brown. His favorite hymn was "Lord I Wanna Be A Christian In My Heart" and he served as a faithful choir member and member of the Board of Trustees until his health began to decline.
Herbert was educated at Sumpter Williams School in Morgan City, Louisiana. Early in his life, he was a lifeguard at the swimming pool in Klinsville. After leaving school, Herbert began his professional career with the Street Crew for the City of Morgan City. Later he began working for Scully Brothers as a painter and sandblaster. He completed his professional career at Guarisco's as a truck driver where he worked until his health began to decline.
Herbert married Lee Esther Smith in 1971 and to this union three children were born: Herbert II, Andrea, and Domenque. Herbert was a fun person who loved life. He enjoyed spending time with his family,
listening to music, singing, and laughing and having a good time. He loved fishing and would often go out in his boat to throw his lines in the water. Another passion of his was riding his son's horse "Jake Whiskey."
Herbert leaves to cherish his loving memories: his beloved wife of 54 years, Lee Esther Smith Johnson of Gibson, LA; one son, Herbert Johnson, II of Morgan City, LA; three daughters, Andrea (William) Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA, Domenque (Cassey, Sr) Scott of Houma, LA, and Jennifer Gray of Kenner, LA; a daughter that he reared, Elizabeth Azema of Thibodeaux, LA, two grandchildren that he reared, Andrane'
Tauriac and Damarcus Johnson both of Broussard, LA; two sisters, Phyllis Johnson and Francis Bryant both of Port Arthur, TX; two brothers-in-law, Raymond (Barbara) Smith and Renard Smith both of Gibson, LA; two sisters-in-law, Dianne Johnson of Patterson, LA, and Idell Johnson of Centerville, LA; eight grandchildren, Tavis Johnson, Andrane' Tauriac, Damarcus Johnson, Cassey Scott, Jr, Alaysia Scott,
Malaysia Scott, Tavion Johnson, and Kyrie Scott; two great-grandchildren, Ayden and Kayleigh Tauriac; two godchildren, Libra Johnson and Ashley Sims; three close friends, Alvin Dalcour, Joseph Sigur, and Michael Maryland; a daughter-in-love, Aretha Kinchen, and a host of family and friends.
Herbert was received in heaven by his parents, Henry and Alzena Johnson; siblings, Flora Bell Williams, Edmond Johnson, Sr, Sullivan Johnson, Henry Johnson, III, Eunice Butler, Lionel Johnson, Sr, Earl Johnson, Sr, and Doris Murell; paternal grandparents, Henry Johnson, Sr, and Francis Williams Johnson; maternal grandparents, Edmond and Phyllis Anderson; father-in-law Kinsey Smith, and mother-in-law Beulah Gray Smith.
