Obituary of Willie Lloyd Johnson Jr.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

Willie Lloyd Johnson Jr. was born October 16, 1935 at Charity Hospital in  New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Willie Lloyd Johnson, Sr. (Pateé) and Edith Smith Johnson-Washington. He was the eldest of nine children. Willie also known as Big Will, Papa and “Fireman” was called home Friday, April 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York, where he currently resided with his family.

Willie Lloyd Johnson Jr. is predeceased by his father: Willie Lloyd Johnson Sr. (Patee); mother: Edith Smith Johnson-Washington; stepfather: George Washington; siblings: Priscilla Johnson, Edward Johnson, Herman Millon, Carey Johnson; grandson: Keymar Collier; maternal grandparents: Isaiah and Ada Smith; Uncles and Aunts: Alton Smith, James Smith, Azalie Poret, Annie Jefferies, Ora Owens, Hazel Furcron (Ferdinand), and Theresa Smith (Howard).

Willie Johnson Jr. attended St. Raymond’s Academy in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the age of 12, Willie moved to Rochester, NY and he attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School; and later attended Madison  High School, and Monroe Community College. At the age of 19, he married Betty Kendrick and they later divorced. Seven children were born to that union: Renée, Victor, Joyce, Kevin, Lisa, Kerwin, and Stephanie. Later in life he had another daughter, Shatoria Johnson.

Willie Johnson Jr. met his soul mate, Karen Jackson in 2004 and they shared a healthy loving relationship until his demise. Willie and Karen shared collectively a blended family; and Willie’s children loves Karen just as much as Karen’s children loved Willie. The two families shared in many rich familial experiences, such as: family picnics, backyard barbeques fish fries, karaoke, porch talks, and dancing; all of which, were enriching and continued to strengthen the bond that kept them together. Willie and Karen found themselves traveling extensively between, New Orleans, Texas, and Atlanta. Willie will be dearly missed by Kentrell Thompson (Keisha) and Corey Thompson who he regarded as his children. Willie also shared an inseparable relationship with all of Karen’s family. The sentiment that both families shared among each other and with their loving mate, father, son, brother, uncle and best friend is best expressed by the thought that he is: “Gone But Will Never Be Forgotten”.

Willie Johnson Jr. was a faithful and life-long member of Immaculate Conception Church. After mass, he enjoyed socializing with family and  friends during coffee hour, and yes, he and Karen were oftentimes the last to leave  because he had to make sure things were in order. Many of his children and grandchildren were educated in Catholic Schools in Rochester, NY. “Big Will” was an entrepreneur and had several businesses from Johnson’s Footwear (shoe store) to Johnson Brother’s Lanes  (bowling alley), and several other businesses in between including Allen’s Carpet Cleaning. He put the tools and techniques in the hands of his children and grandchildren so they  could provide for their family. 

Willie Lloyd Johnson Jr., was employed at the State Hospital, before joining the Rochester Fire Department in 1966, where he was one of the first African American Firefighters. His most important and rewarding position was that of a First  Responder with the Rochester, NY Fire Department, wherein during his employment for over 39 years he never missed a day of work. Willie was a cook for the other firemen at engine 7, which was like his second home. He and John (fellow firefighter) would joke around and prank others. He was a popular firefighter who become known as “Big Will” among his colleagues. Big Will’s attire was neat and tidy, and he was one of the few fire fighters who wore a tie with his uniform. He was known to be brave and a great philanthropist on his job as he acquired a repertoire of accolades, but two important deeds among many are: He risked his life and saved Dita Jackson from perishing in a fire; and also, Papa’s granddaughter was hospitalized and he purchased and distributed gifts for all of the children in that ward. Never seeking recognition, Big Papa  set standards for others to follow. wherein, people felt safe, but more important, they  knew the kind acts bestowed upon them were genuine acts of love.

Big-Papa, a nickname he acquired from his grandchildren. The name was coined,  and he became affectionately known by all of his family and friends as Papa. Jr. Johnson  as he was also called by other relatives and friends will be best remembered as a kind and gentle person with a stellar personality and a great sense of humor. He was always willing to help anyone in need, especially his children and family. Not only did his  family love him, but he became known as the community father and many children within his life wished that he was their father. Jr’s home became known as the House of Mercy for he would feed anyone was hungry. Karen prepared many meals to satisfy the needs of many individuals who frequented their home.

Willie demonstrated the greatest gift that God commanded, which was to love one another. He loved his family with all of his heart, and he touched many people from all walks of life. He always made you laugh about situations, and he truly cared about you  as a person. The agape love that he had for all of his family and friends is a legacy that will never be forgotten for he “He Did It His Way”. 

Your life is God’s gift to you, what you do with your life is your gift to God.

Willie Lloyd Johnson leaves to cherish fond and loving memories: (Life Partner): Karen Jackson; (Children): Renee Johnson-Walker, Victor D. Johnson, B. Joyce Johnson, Kevin A. Johnson (Kevo), Lisa A. Johnson, Kerwin Johnson “Jit”, Stephanie McCalla (Marvin), and Shatoria Johnson; Hero’s Daughter: Dita Monique; (Grandchildren):  Stephanie Thomas, S. Lamar Johnson “Mars” (Lataisha), Charita Johnson, Shaunte Johnson, Vick Johnson, Valerion Johnson, Khaalig Johnson, Brittany Johnson, Davanique Collier, Asya Johnson-Baldeo; Keyani Height, Kerrell Johnson, Samiyah Johnson, Nayyiráh Morrow, Keriah Johnson, Jaquan Johnson, Devante Scott, Demarion Scott, Amarah McCalla, Saphira McCalla, Ahzani Johnson, Royal Johnson, Javonte Johnson, and Serenity McKinney; (Great-Grandchildren): Dominique McKnight, Clifford Moody, Jr., Emilio Willie Ball, Jr., Shandell Johnson II, Shamar Johnson, Shani Johnson, DeFerris Nixon, Zylion Nixon, Rogers Allen Huff III “Bud”, Tamia Joseph, Rajiv Raybe, and Kadian Wedderburn; (Great-great Granddaughter) Nxmorah Moody; (Siblings): Henry Johnson, Patricia Millon, Errol Johnson, Marie Harden, and Thelma Rich; (Bonus-children); Kentrell Thompson (Keisha), and Corey Thompson; (Former Spouse) Betty Poole; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.