Elijah Johnson

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM till 12:00 PM at St James Baptist Church St. James Baptist Church Cemetery 6319 South Bayou Black Drive Gibson, Louisiana 70356. Military Honors and Taps at 12:00 PM. Interment following St James Baptist Church Cemetery.

Elijah “Buddy” Johnson was born on August 1, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Frank Durant Johnson and Ruth Victoria Roper Johnson. He was lovingly nicknamed “Buddy” by his father shortly after birth—a name that would stick with him for life. At an early age, Elijah was baptized and introduced to Christ under the spiritual guidance of Rev. E.L. Davis at Israel Memorial AME Church. His faith would remain a cornerstone throughout his life.

Elijah was educated in the Newark public school system. After graduating from high school, he married his beloved wife, Essie B. Johnson-Johnson, whom he had dated during his youth. Shortly thereafter, Elijah was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, and was later stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he served as a military policeman. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Elijah furthered his education at North Carolina State University and a college in New Jersey, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in business. He held a number of jobs before finding his long-term professional home at the United States Postal Service, where he served faithfully for 30 years and rose to the role of Supervisor.

Elijah had a deep love for music, especially jazz. A skilled alto saxophonist, he learned to play and read music under the mentorship of Jimmy Anderson. He was an avid fan of legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker and frequently attended live jazz concerts in New Jersey and New York with his wife. He often played jazz at home, using it as a way to connect with his children and teach them about music. He also enjoyed fishing, photography, and chess—a game he taught all of his children.

Elijah and his family often traveled from New Jersey to Louisiana to visit his mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson. He cherished these family trips, which were filled with horseback riding, amusement parks, and unforgettable memories. As a hobbyist photographer, Elijah delighted in capturing scenes of people and places during the family’s travels abroad.

A dedicated Christian, Elijah loved both Sunday School and church worship services. Known for his passion for the Word, he welcomed spirited discussions about the Bible. He was also proud Master Mason and held the honorary 33rd Degree with the Prince Hall Masons.

Though naturally introverted, Elijah was known for his friendly demeanor. In 1997, he and Essie retired and moved to their newly built home in Louisiana. They joined St. James Baptist Church, where Elijah was baptized again, alongside his brother-in-law, the late Joseph Johnson. Later, they became members of Allen Chapel AME Church in Houma, Louisiana, where Elijah served as a Trustee and Senior Director of the Sons of Allen in the Central Louisiana Annual Conference.

Following Hurricane Katrina, the couple relocated to Sumter, South Carolina. They first joined Reid Chapel AME Church, later became members of St. Luke AME Church for nine years, and ultimately found their church home at Mount Pisgah AME Church. Despite declining health and a diagnosis of dementia, Elijah remained a faithful churchgoer. He and Essie could be seen every Sunday morning, dressed in coordinating outfits, joyfully worshipping together.

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 8:10 AM, Elijah answered the Lord’s call. In the stillness of that morning, God said: "Come to Me, My child. I have taken away your burdens, your pain, and all worries from your heart. You are at peace with Me."

Elijah was proceeded in death by his parents, the late Frank Durant Johnson and Ruth Victoria Roper Johnson; grandparents, the late Alonzo Roper and Mary Roper; siblings, the late Susie Richardson, Evelyn Johnson Greenle, Jeronia Johnson McClish, Richard Johnson, Eugene Johnson, Theodore Johnson, and Rutha Lee Johnson

To celebrate his legacy, he leaves behind his devoted wife of 67 years, Essie Johnson Johnson of Sumter, SC; children, Yolanda E. Johson Ramierz (Alexander Ramierz Sr.) of Irvington, NJ, Elijah Glen Johnson, Jr. (Selma Johnson) of Carlise, PA, Tonia S. Johnson of Linden, NJ, and Byron Kendall Johnson of Newark, NJ; grandchildren, Alexander Ramirez, TireKeisha Johnson Redman, Al-Nisha Thomas, Elijah Johnson, III and Kal-El; great-grandchildren, Iyanna, Jaylen, Melin, Skylah, and Alexander Jr.; one sister Margurie Johnson Hardin; special friends, Harold Hicks and Delphena Hicks; god children: Tsilka Brooks, Wanda Evette Scott, Monica Peoples, Savannah Richardson, Mallorie Richardson; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.