Reflections Reflections of Life
Exuberance filled the hearts of Leroy and Gladys Johnson on June 19, 1935, with the birth of their first-born son, Lucas Johnson Sr. in Collierville, TN. It was equally exciting for older sister, Mauddean, who would now have both a sibling and an inseparable playmate. Lucas was affectionately known by many as “Skippy,” a name acquired during his childhood from an admired comic strip character, Skippy Skinner, a rambunctious fifth-grader whose works were published from 1923 to 1945. On the contrary, our “Skippy,” Lucas Sr., was mostly known for his quiet and reserved demeanor. Lucas Sr. graduated from Fayette County Training School in 1953. Not long afterward, he married Shirley Douglas, to whom he was married more than six decades. They had three greatly admired children: Cathy, Stephanie, and Lucas II. Lucas Sr. was also very proud of his daughter, Darlene. He often boasted about the educational and professional accomplishments of all his children. That’s because, early on, he realized the value of a good education and hard work. Upon graduation, Lucas Sr. quickly acquired in-depth knowledge and skills for dry cleaning, which would lead to a full-time and long-term profession as an educator in the Memphis City School system for nearly three decades at Hamilton High School. Both students and colleagues greatly loved him. Lucas retired May 17, 2000. Prior to his illness, Lucas Sr. served faithfully at Rock of Ages CME Church in Memphis, TN. He was a member of the trustee board, the male chorus, as well as a Sunday school teacher. His love for God was very apparent in his humble disposition toward others, and the unfaltering faith demonstrated throughout his illness. He was also fully aware of God’s love for him that was apparent daily with the special care and provisions he received from his loving family members and caregivers. Lucas Johnson Sr., 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Johnson; parents, Leroy and Gladys Johnson, and sister, Mildred Neal. He is survived by his children, Cathy, and Stephanie Johnson, of Memphis, TN; Lucas Johnson II (Alicia) of Antioch, TN; Darlene Reed of Memphis, TN; three grandchildren, Justin and Michael Reed and Michelle Studaway of Memphis, TN; siblings Mauddean Smith and Raymond Johnson (Marylene) of Memphis, TN; Beverly Logan (Sylvester) of Collierville, TN; Joyce Johnson (Washington) of Huntsville, AL; one sister-in-law, Helen White of Memphis, TN; one brother-in-law, Larry Neal of Collierville, TN. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Though greatly saddened by the loss, the Johnson family embraces the blessed hope that those who die in the Lord will indeed live again. For it is that very hope that sustains the family’s faith today: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13, KJV)
The Celebration of Life
Celebration
Mr. Lucas Lee Johnson, Sr. Saturday, December 21, 2019 12:00 Noon
Rock of Ages C.M.E. Church
478 Scott Street • Memphis, Tennessee 38112
Rev. Dr. Eddie Jumper, Sr. ~Pastor & Officiating~
Prelude Selection.............................................................................................................Male Chorus
Affirmation of Faith (Please stand)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. The third day He rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen. (Please be seated)
Prayer............................................................................................Dr. Washington Johnson II
Assistant Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Captain, United States Navy, CHC
Scripture Readings: Old Testament............................................................................Rev. Leroy Payne, Jr. Gloria Patri New Testament.................................................................................Rev. Walter Hunt Selection.............................................................................................................Male Chorus
Expressions
(Three Minutes Please)
Mrs. Annie Jumper, First Lady of Rock of Ages CME Church Robert Randolph - President, Trustee Board Oslo Cole - Lay Leader Acknowledgements..............................................................................................Wendy Boyd Sermonic Solo...........................................................................................Charlie Peggins,Sr. Eulogy.............................................................................................Rev. Dr. Eddie Jumper, Sr. Recessional “Remains will not be viewed after Eulogy”
~Acknowledgements ~
The family of Mr. Lucas Lee Johnson, Sr. wishes to express our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and kindness shown to us during this time of loss. Keeping in his spirit, we will continue to sing praises and be thankful, even when it hurts. We honor all who have shown us expressions of sympathy and will always cherish your thoughtfulness. It is our hope that God blesses each of us immensely, according to our needs.
The Family of Mr. Lucas Lee Johnson, Sr.
~Active Pallbearers ~
William Key Justin Rogers Raymond Johnson, II
Stephen Rogers, II Washington Johnson, III LaCedric Johnson
~ Interment ~ Memorial Park Southwoods Cemetery 5485 Hacks Cross Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
~ Repast ~ Rock of Ages C.M.E Church 478 Scott Street Memphis, Tennessee 38112
Distinctive Services by View Funeral Programs, DVD Tributes & More Through Your Mobile Device
3320 Millbranch Rd. • Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~ 901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com info@mysticalprinting.com