Willie Edward Johnson

Willie Edward Johnson was born to Willie Edward Johnson Senior and Callie Mae Hampton Johnson on April 6, 1938, in Courtland, Alabama. He is the oldest of nine children.

He was primarily raised by his grandmother, Mahalia Hampton. Willie attended Rocky Hill Elementary School from 1944 to 1952 and the Courtland Colored High School from 1952 to 1956, graduating in 1956. While in high school he participated in various activities, He was official scorekeeper for both men's and women's sports. After high school he attended Alabama State College from 1956 to 1960, receiving a bachelor's degree in library science.

Willie relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee where he taught for one year, 1956-57, at Spears Avenue Elementary School. He moved from Tennessee to Cleveland, Ohio and took a position at the Fairhill Psychiatric Institute as an educational therapist.

During his stay in Cleveland, Willie was drafted into the United States Army in 1957 and served 2 years in the 36 Signal Company stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His rank while serving was as a Specialist Fourth Class, in charge of all supplies for all Battalions. After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1959 he returned to Courtland, Alabama. There he cared for his ailing grandmother until she passed.

Willie gave his life to Jesus Christ at the tender age of 9 and was a member of the Courtland Primitive Baptist Church. He moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1965 and it remains his home. He united with the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church located at 45' and Princeton under the leadership of Dr. Clay Evans; he joined the choir and Sunday school.

In 1966 Willie joined Greater Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. Herbert Anderson. As a member of Greater Mt. Sinai Willie served as a choir director, a dedicated Sunday school member, and became Church Clerk under Rev. Dr. J. Edward Thompson and his current Pastor, Rev. Parris L. Cole, Sr. and served until stepping down in April 2025.

Willie's first employment in Chicago was a teaching job at Englewood High School for 9 years as a Reference Librarian. He enrolled in Chicago State University where he received a master's in library science. In 1970 he became employed at the City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X Campus until he retired in 2000.

Willie is survived by sisters Mahalia(Steve), Barbara and Catherine; brothers Otis(Carol), Marcus, and Tommy James(Edna). A host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. Willie is preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Mary Katherine, Wanda Faye, Reginald and Sharon.

Willie Edward Johnson was all about his family. He loved to travel and cook. His family loved his candied yams.

He had great joy traveling to Alabama and Tennessee, but when he came home to Boston that was the best to him. He got to spend time with his sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. Especially when his niece Tasha would have a giant bag of goodies – different candy he loved.

Willie had great taste in clothing. He and his great-nephew, DeShawn, would talk for hours about fashion and the latest styles. Even though he lived in Chicago, his favorite sports teams were in Boston. He loved to talk to his brother-in-law, Steve, about the games.

He enjoyed when his sisters, Barbara and Mahalia, would visit him in Chicago. They would spend time cooking for him and pampering him. He also had a very special bond with his Cortland family. He loved spending time with them.

When he moved to Indianapolis, before relocating to Boston, he lived with his devoted cousin Kimerly Hampton, whom he cherished dearly.

Toward the end of his life, his great niece Kendra Martin stepped in and took care of him – cooking and making sure he didn’t’ miss any hospital appointments. She was his company until the end. He was so grateful for the kindness and devotion she gave him.