Joseph Johnson

Joseph “Joe” Johnson, 75 of Lansing, MI died peacefully at home on October 23, 2020 with his family at his bedside.  Joe was born on September 17, 1945  in Bogalusa, LA  He came to Grand Rapids with his mother, Ruth and sister Barbara at the age of 11.  Joe was outgoing and one the jewels of Grand Rapids. He was a 1963 graduate of South High School,  attended Michigan State University and Parsons College in Iowa. 

 He excelled in basketball, loved to mentor young people and was affectionately known as Lieutenant  Johnson at the Department of Corrections.  Shortly before his death, some of his childhood friends and schoolmates helped him celebrate his 75th birthday.  They gave him tributes while he could still hear and see them.  Joe enjoyed his life.    

Joseph was a member of Trinity AME Church in Lansing, MI.    Joseph  is survived by his wife, Versey, his children Cecilee, Tiffanee,  Joseph and their mother Gainelle, Versey’s children, Monta, Claudia (Anthony) and Deon (Tara), grandchildren, great children and many relatives and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Johnson, please visit our floral store.