Elder Leonard Alphonsa Johnson

MEMOIR

LEONARD ALPHONSA JOHNSON

ELDER, ENTREPRENEUR, EXEMPLAR PAR EXCELLENCE 1952 - 2021

On Friday morning, October 15th, God saw fit to call one of his precious children home to Him. Leonard was born in Newport News, VA, the youngest to Bishop K.D. and Dorcas Johnson.

Being a "Preacher's Kid," he was born into the Sweet Haven Holy Church of God family and later accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior.

In his formative years, he attended Westside Elementary and Smithfield High School. He received his diploma and shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Army. He served his country with pride and dignity traveling to several places. Through his time spent in Italy, he was fond of surprising people by speaking in fluent Italian.

He met and fell head over heels in love with Sharon Ratliff on February of 1989 when their parents introduced the two. It was a match made in heaven with them marrying in April of the same year.

Leonard was an entrepreneur with such jobs as owning a trucking company, janitorial service, seafood store, and country store. That's only a few.

Music had a major impact on his life. He was an accomplished saxophonist and loved playing the organ.

He was ordained an Elder at Sweet Haven and preached the gospel with a sincere love for people. He was a cheerful giver, had a strong zeal for the youth and entertained whenever possible. If you had the pleasure of holding a phone call with him, he would always end with "l love you." He loved to laugh and make others laugh with a passion. He was an excellent leader, as well as a great follower whenever needed at Sweet Haven. 

Leonard leaves with a small part of her heart, his soulmate Sharon K. Johnson. Also to feel a void within their lives, his sons, Leonard Johnson, Jr. (Latoia), Timothy Johnson, and his baby girl, Angel Johnson He also leaves two grandchildren, Emil and Leonard Johnson Ill.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his sister, Loretta Butts—He also leaves two brothers, Alcatrous Johnson (Bea), Bishop Nathaniel Johnson (Sharon), and one sister, Yvonne Cypress (Levon). Also to mourn his passing are his In-laws, Paul Ratcliff (Regina), Ronnie Ratliff (Wanda), Jeanise Ratcliff, Kenneth Ratliff (Mabinty), and Andrea Ratliff (Lamont). He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

An outdoor Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Sweet Haven Holy Church of God Carrollton, VA. Military rites will be performed during the celebration for his service to our Country. YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR. Viewing will take place on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 4-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers you may send contributions to the following Cash App: $59RN. Elder Johnson is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Johnson family in your thoughts and prayers. 

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