Joe W. Johnson Sr.

     Joe W. Johnson Sr., 78, passed away at WFH-All Saints, on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Joe was born in Enterprise, MS, on September 17, 1933 the son of the late Booker T. and Pinkie  (nee: Beverly) Johnson.  He relocated to Racine, Wisconsin in 1949.  He met his lovely wife Eula in 1952 and united in marriage December 15, 1957.  They were married for 55 years.

    Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.   Joe was employed by American Motors and later employed by the City of Racine, before retiring as Supervisor DPW in 1997. He also owned his own businesses, Johnson’s Enco Service Station and The Oasis Club. He was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the Usher Board.  He was also a member of the City of Racine 20 Year Club, Masonic Southgate Lodge #6, and the American Legion Post # 546.  Joe enjoyed all sports, especially the Chicago Bears and his vegetable garden.  He loved spending time with his family especially the grandchildren.

     Surviving are his devoted wife Eula; 7 children, Joe W. (Bernadette) Johnson Jr., of Maplewood, MN, Johnny (Frances) Johnson, of Warner Robins, GA, Jackie Johnson, of Racine, Jennifer Johnson, of San Antonio, TX, Judy Johnson, of Racine, Jeffrey Johnson, of San Antonio, TX, and Jason Johnson, of Racine; 5 adopted children, Denise Crumble, of Milwaukee, Pat Rieschl, of Appleton, WI, Margaret Offord, of Birmingham,  AL, Shareef (Cathy) Amir, of Powder Springs, GA, and Paul Johnson, of San Antonio, TX; 30 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; brother, Beverly (Ruth) Johnson, and sister, Maggie Pipkins, all of Racine; sisters-in-law, Willie Johnson, of Columbus, GA, Eudene Thomas, of Birmingham, AL, Carolyn (Ben) Shaw, of Racine, Bernice Oates, of Racine; bother-in-law, Steve Oates, of Racine. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Jerome Johnson; brother, Horace Johnson; sisters, Elizabeth Berry and Sally Kirkwood; mother-in-law, Hartense Ford; nephew, Jessie Johnson, and brothers-in-law Stevie Jackson and John Oates, sister-in-law Nellie Oates.

    His Homegoing Service will be held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 11^thand Center, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25^th, with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park.