Edgar Howard Johnson, Sr.

Edgar Howard Johnson, Sr., went home to be with the Lord on October 19, 2010, after a lengthy illness. He was born February 8, 1925, in Washington, D.C., a son of Arthur Howard and Laura Early Johnson. Mr. Johnson graduated from Dunbar High School and attended Howard University for a time. He was drafted into the US Army during World War II and served in France as a munitions sergeant. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal. After he finished his service with the Army, Mr. Johnson joined the Air Force and served until his honorable discharge on January 21, 1950, with a rank of sergeant. Mr. Johnson was a long-time employee of the United States Postal Service. He worked as a clerk on the mail train between Pittsburgh and New York and also in the Washington Post Office prior to retirement. Mr. Johnson was a faithful member of the Rodman Street Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, where he served as a member of the mass choir and was called by Pastor Delano Paige to be a trustee. After returning to Washington, he restored his membership at the Nazareth Baptist Church until his death. Many people will sadly miss Mr. Johnson. He would describe himself as a lover, and that he was. All his children were his angels, and he is in heaven and finally “fine.” On January 19, 1946, he married Addieva Griffin, who survives. Also surviving are four children, Deborah L. Cuspard of Pittsburgh, Edgar Howard Johnson, Jr., of Twinsburg, Ohio, Linda L. Clemons (Albert) of Washington and Jeffrey C. Johnson of Washington; 12 grandchildren, Teresa (Donald) Downs, Tina Snooks, Dana (Keith) Morman, Kristin Johnson, Kenn (Kendra) Clemons, Todd (Calli) Clemons, Steffan (Lori) Johnson, Kellie (Kris) Sadens, Ryan (April) Johnson, Gretchen Johnson, and Taylor Johnson. In addition, he was blessed with 21 great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Deceased are four brothers Arthur, Fredrick, Harold and Walter Johnson; two sisters, Pauline (Allen), Helen (King); and a grandson. Eric Johnson. Friends will be received Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, October 24th, in Nazareth Baptist Church, 123 North Lincoln Street, Washington, with Rev. Beatrice Jones of Rodman Street Baptist Church officiating.