John Johnson

John Lee Johnson, 84 departed this life on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital. He was born on September 5, 1940, in Heflin, Louisiana to the late L.D. Johnson and Ella Pearl Pearce-Johnson. He attended Pattingill Elementary School in 1945, and McMichael Junior High School in 1951 moving on to Northwestern High school graduating in 1958. After graduation, John enlisted into the United States Army where he was a “free-fall parachutist” credited with 20 jumps. He was also a medic and left the army with an honorable discharge in 1964. John worked at Mystic Company as a marketing manager after a 10-year career with Ford Motor Company Sales Division in Ohio. During this time, he attended Wayne State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He worked for Republic Airlines in 1980, followed by Northwest Airlines and retired from Delta Airlines in 2001. His passion for real estate went from a hobby to a thriving business from 1979 to 2023. He attended church with his family at a young age and was always taught “God is love” and tried to live by that motto. John accepted Christ at an early age at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Even as a youth, John was a leader as he taught Sunday school lessons. John and Janet loved traveling, visiting family in the U.S and Canada. They traveled to Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. John loved to watch sports, Michigan football and basketball were his favorite pastimes. One of his favorites was to play “Bid Whist” during family gatherings. He loved and supported his family in various ways, a mentor to many, always willing to offer advice and words of encouragement. He was preceded in death by his three siblings, Darlen, Louzontini, and Brenda and his son Eric. He leaves to grieve his wife of 42 years Janet and his children Howard, John (Myra), Erika and Reva (bonus daughter). Grandchildren Joseph, Justine, Jerami and Chelsea. Great grands - Isiah, Julian, Israel, Elijah, Josiah, and Aria, along with a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends. He had a cherished relationship with his Aunt Estell Patterson – affectionally known as “Granny.”

John Johnson

September 5, 1940 - July 17, 2025