Charles G. Johnson

Charles G. Johnson, affectionally known as “Papa” to the family and “Mr. J” to his friends was born July 6,1937 in Meridian, Mississippi to the union of the late C.C. Johnson and Marie Hall. Charles was the oldest of six children. His youngest siblings were Dorothy Gene, Leonard, Barbara Ann, Willie C and Helen Marie which all preceded him in death. His son, Vincent Weathersby also preceded him in death. Charles went to high school in Meridian, Mississippi, and left school early to join the United States Air Force on June 7, 1955. In the Air Force, he was a Series System Mechanic. Shortly after leaving the Air Force, he was a laborer and became a member of the Sewer & Tunnel Minors Union (Local 2). In 1964, he met Earnestine Kirksey. He continued asking her out on date until one day, he was was finally successful. Three years later in 1967, Charles married the love of his life, Earnestine. They were married for 53 years. Every morning they would sit at the kitchen table and sip coffee while watching the news. They share one beloved son, Michael Johnson, who was born in 1968.

Charles spent most of his career at Kenny Construction. He received a promotion as a foreman shortly after. He was proud of his position and loved his job! He was a dedicated worker for over 30 years! He never missed a day of work. He even worked when he was sick. He would sometimes work 10-hour days and would come home exhausted. Unfortunately, he had to retire early because of the severe arthritis in his legs. Charles was a working man and a generous man. He was an excellent provider to his family including his stepchildren, Charles, Wanda, and Charlene. He made sure his family was always taken care of. “Papa” had such a strong work ethic and it carried on to his son Michael, who also followed in his dad’s footsteps as a laborer.

“Papa” used to love playing cards and watching golf on television. In the summers, he enjoyed driving to Mississippi to see his family. In Chicago, his favorite thing to do was spending time with his granddaughters. Whether it was spending time in the garage talking to his friends while his granddaughters rode their bike or watching TV with them. Charles absolutely LOVED his granddaughters and would do anything to keep them happy.

In 2011 Charles dedicated his life to Jehovah and was a devoted member of the Jehovah Witness Group. Every Sunday, Charles would attend service at the Kingdom Hall and when he was not physically able to attend, he would listen in. His mentor, Brother Ross, guided Charles through his spiritual journey. He would spend hours reading the Bible and memorizing scriptures so much that he often gave Jehovah’s word to his family and friends. He departed this life on May 24, 2023, at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois. Charles leaves to cherish his memory; his wife, Earnestine Johnson, his sons, Michael Johnson (Camille) and Will Weathersby; stepchildren, Charles Kirksey, Wanda Kirksey, and Charlene Kirksey; his beloved grandchildren, Shayla Robertson (Randy), Danielle, Michele and Mia Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.

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