Howard Lee Johnson

Howard Lee Johnson was born September 9,1940 to Essie Lee Jones and Bill Johnson. He was raised in Hope, Arkansas, and married his beautiful “Proverbs 31” wife and mother of his four daughters, Verdell Marie Gillard on October 5, 1964: sharing the same anniversary as Howard’s elder brother (Curtis Johnson) and sister-in-law (Clydine Johnson). Within months of marriage to their new brides, the two brothers were deployed for the Vietnam War. While in the military, he earned several awards/medals (marksman carbine, sharpshooter rifle M-14, national defense service medal, Vietnam service medal and Vietnam campaign medal). After the war, both couples moved to Fort Worth, which is where they spent the rest of their lives.

Howard briefly attended the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) prior to beginning a long career in the financial industry as a licensed professional insurance agent and notary. He spent several years mastering his craft with Bankers Life and Casualty before moving to Jackson National Life, which is where he worked until he retired. Around 1985, he also accepted his calling to become a pastor and enrolled in Seminary school. Shortly afterwards, he launched his church in downtown Fort Worth, Tx. Reverend Howard L. Johnson preached both in the Butler Housing Projects and in the Fort Worth jail until he retired in the early 2000s.

Howard was a humble protector of his family who enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, model cars/planes, gardening, grilling BBQ on his hand-made pit, holiday meal preparation, home maintenance and spending uninterrupted time with loved ones. His wisdom seemed to be limitless, which is why his children swore he was the smartest man who ever lived. Rather than give his children all the answers to life’s challenges, he found ways to teach them lessons when a question was presented to him. He was the perfect combination of structure and freedom which birthed both independence and discipline.

Howard is preceded by his wife Mrs. Verdell Johnson and siblings: Napoleon Carr, Aretha Carr, Willie Ed Cheatham, Muriel Johnson, Lucy Mae Johnson, Curtie Mae Johnson, Edgar Johnson, Edward Johnson, Chester Lee Johnson, William Johnson Jr. and Curtis Johnson. He leaves his four children, Lavoria A. Murphy, Angela Davis (Eric), Carolyn J. Oladunjoye (Bunmi) and Barbara Johnson. Grandchildren: Porchia Murphy, Kara Johnson, Kamiryn Johnson, William Oladunjoye and James Oladunjoye; plus, a host of great grandchildren, cousins and friends.