February 25, 1930 – July 6, 2023
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
A TIME TO BE BORN
Andrew was born February 25, 1930 in Dinwiddie, Virginia to the late Henry Lee and Otelia Johnson. To this union he was the nineth child born out ten. He was predeceased by his siblings Herman, Linwood, James (Rachel), Lillian (Benjamin), Celeste, Laura (Ferrell), Sadie (James) and ex-wife Hallie B. Smith-Johnson.
A TIME TO GROW
Andrew was baptized at an early age by Rev. Kizer of Center Star and remained a member until 2010 when he became a faithful member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church where he served on the Greeter’s Ministry. Andrew attended Dinwiddie Public Schools in Dinwiddie County. He graduated from Dinwiddie Training School in 1948.
A TIME TO LIVE
Andrew was loving, caring, enjoyed life to the fullest and gave unselfishly. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing cards, attending parties of all kinds, attending sporting events, watching wrestling and going to gospel concerts. Andrew’s work history began at Brinkley Trucking Company delivering groceries in the Tri-Cities from 1948 to 1962. In 1962, he gained employment with Allied Chemical (now Honeywell) until 1995, from where he retired after 33 years. While still employed at Honeywell, (Allied Chemical) he was sworn in as a Special Police Officer on October 31, 1984 to faithfully discharge and perform all duties encumber to him as a Special Police Officer. While serving as a police officer, he worked various events (traffic, parades, sporting events, family reunion, funerals, and escorting from 2000-2016). He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Eureka 54 Masonic Lodge in the 1950’s. He was a member of Teamster Union at Honeywell (Allied Chemical). In addition, he assisted with setting up election polls.
A TIME TO LOVE
Andrew married his wife/caregiver Claudette Stith-Johnson in 1991. Andrew was the proud father of Andrew Johnson, Jr., Dr. Dianne E. Harley-Johnson of Petersburg, Va., Tammy S. Johnson of Los Angeles, Ca. and step-son Anthony Stith of Petersburg, Va. Those that knew Andrew knew that his family was his world. He worked long, hard hours to provide for his family and to ensure their needs were met. To know him was to love him. He was a friend to many and shared what he had with those in need.
A TIME TO DIE
On Thursday, July 6, 2023 Andrew answered the Master’s call. He fought a good fight until the end. His road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, God closed Andrew’s eyes and said, Peace be thine. Show me the way to heaven doors, I’m Gone.
A TIME TO MOURN
Andrew leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Claudette Stith-Johnson, loving children Dr. Dianne E. Harley-Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Jr., Tammy S. Johnson and Anthony Stith (Step-Son). Grandchildren Aubrey (Duce) Harley, Jr. of Charlotte, NC and Amy Smith of Petersburg, Va. Great grandchildren Anasia A. Monroe and Allie Jones of Petersburg, VA. Two loving sisters Alice Jennings of Philadelphia, PA and Florine Robinson of Hopewell, VA. One loving sister-in law Theodora Williams of Matoaca, VA and one brother-in law John Pryor of Petersburg, VA. A host of nieces and nephews. Devoted friends Debora Merritt, Courtney Prince, Sheriff Vanessa Crawford (City of Petersburg), Janice Harris (James “Shorty” Harris-deceased), Rev. Leroy Cherry (deceased), Rev. Breanda Cherry, Ernest Wilkins, Juan Pettiford, Sharon Barnes and family, The Meade Family, Deacon Carolyn Prater-Hires, Greeters Ministry of GSBC, Deacons Ministry of GSBC, Pastor and Members of Gillfield Baptist Church, and Members of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church.
A TIME TO LIVE AGAIN
We thank God for all the memories and allowing him to be with us for 93 years. We thank God for a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Special people like Andrew touched our lives and everything he has done will live in us long after he is gone. The gift and love he gave will forever remain in our hearts.
Services will be held on 12:00 Noon, Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.