Johnson Men

Franklin Benjamin Johnson, Sr.

Dubbed by all his children in his household as the absolute Best Father in the World! One of his sons says he had a lot of admiration for him and always wanted to be around him to be taught by him. He was patient, soft spoken, and gentle to us all and sat us down and used his honest words to teach us. Nothing he ever taught us has left us. His oldest living daughter described him best when she said, “I always thought I was Daddy’s Girl until he died and I found out he had made every child he had feel the same way.” He bonded with each of us seamlessly. That was Frank — Daddy! Love times Love, multiplied by infinity. 

Franklin Benjamin Johnson, Jr.

The Keeper.  Helped to raise us all and when he spoke we all listened. Didn’t even need to raise his voice!  

At the same time, he was the thoughtful and protective Total Big Brother with a gentle side but had no problem using a stiff hand when his little brothers got out of line! But just like his dad, never struck either of the girls. Trusted with the care of us all when the parents were gone and never lost his Number One status even after we were all grown!  That was Frankie Boy — the keeper of Bea-O’s babies and her first-born pride. Undeniable authority family known!

Charles Randolph Johnson (Sr.)

Master craftsman. Great with his hands whether renovating a room or building kitchen cabinets, or carving designs in wood. You name it. Anything. Creative genius. Master of all trades. Champion of all fishermen. Totally competitive and had to be the winner of every game he played — card game to board game. Even with the girls. His brother said, Oh how they loved to play with his curls. Loved coming up in the Motown era. Somebody gave him an 8-Track player and he was sold on soul!! Filled with it. That’s our Charlie Boy! Hugest, most unforgettable personality in all the world.

James Joseph Johnson (Sr.).

Always super energetic and adventurous. He always found the humor in any situation and was happy and pleased with whatever. Filled with laughter! No arguments from him. Fear made him run and when given the opportunity, that’s exactly what he would do!  Only ran from mama once though!!  Most memorable about him was he would always explode in song. Whether to diffuse a situation, entertain you, or praise his God, he could make up the lyrics as he sang or would sing what was already written. “One in a million!” But whichever, it was always sung from his gut and from his very soul. He’d smile with his entire face and deliver!  That was Jimmy!

Leroy Alfonso Johnson.

Most athletic, limber and balanced of the bunch! He could jump up and backward flip and land flat on his feet without even a tilt. He could walk on his hands all around the gym floor at Somerset Jr Sr High during our entire assembly and amaze everyone that he never folded or even seemed to be tired. He also had a passion for running. Wise, quiet and attentive.  Big heart deep inside even though short on smiles. Level headed and mature for his age. But never underestimate his small frame. Just like his dad, he could pack a powerful punch if need be! But unless provoked he chose to be mild. That was Leroy — intuitive and agile!

Melvin Clinton Johnson.

A/k/a Sonny; a/k/a Sad-sack. Seventh child of the seventh child of the Frank’s & Bea’s. Country boy to the heart! Loving to his very core. Strong muscularly and strong willed which made him a great mechanic.  Loved helping and giving. No problem saying, “I love you.” And telling the world he loved you. Once in his heart, always in his heart. Loved everybody! When he was a young boy, Daddy once saw him pushing his sister’s doll in the toy stroller.  Dad complained to mama about allowing it. She said leave him alone. One day he’ll be a father and learn to care for his own babies. Turned out mama knew what she was taking about! This girl dad was very involved with their care. They were even his fishing and crabbing partners. That was Sonny! Happiest when he was standing by the water with his daughters, aside from being well-known as the greatest of mechanics!