William “Wilbert” Johnson, Sr.

William “Wilbert” Johnson, Sr., transitioned from this life on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his residence. 

William “Wilbert” Johnson, Sr. was born on August 28, 1933, in Zuni, Virginia, to Frank and Josephine Johnson.

With humble reverence and deep gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of William Wilbert Johnson Sr., born on August 28, 1933, in Zuni, Virginia, to Frank and Josephine Johnson. A faithful servant, devoted husband, father, and cherished community member, William’s earthly journey was marked by strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to God and family.

Wilbert was united in holy matrimony to Daisy Lee Faulk, his beloved wife, who preceded him in death. Together they built a home rooted in love, resilience, and faith. He also mourned the loss of each of his five siblings (Calvin Johnson, Frank Johnson, Estelle Moore, Joseph “JP” Johnson and Margie Green Copeland) and two dear children (Mary Chappell and Daisy Foreman), yet he carried their memories with tenderness and grace.

As a faithful member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Wilbert served with distinction and humility as Chairman Deacon, leading by example, encouraging unity, and uplifting others through his steadfast presence. His voice in prayer, his teaching, and his heart for service left an indelible mark on all who worshiped alongside him.

For years, he was deeply engaged in ministry, as he visited homes delivering the word of God each Tuesday evening, without fail. He also directed church plays and skits.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved children: Rachel Osborne (Larry), Brenda Croker (Ronnie), William Jr. (Tarshe), Iris McAllister (James), Clayton (Sherry), and Mark (Virginia), whose lives reflect the strength and character of the father who guided them. He also has a “special” other daughter, Linda Johnson, and two special nieces; Pear-line Green and Patricia “Pat” Eure. He also leaves to cherish his legacy 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and acquaintances.

Wilbert grew up as a huge baseball fan. He enjoyed playing as well as watching. He played for years with the Zuni Blue Sox as a second baseman and pitcher. He wore number “42”in honor of Jackie Robinson. He was the last surviving team member of the Blue Sox. He taught his children to enjoy “playing ball”, spending countless evenings with them teaching them to hit the ball as well as catching it. After his retirement from Union Camp, he enjoyed watching his favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he would proudly proclaim, “The Dodgers won last night!”.

Wilbert was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in an Artillery Operations Unit and received an Honorable Discharge in January 1962.

His other love was fishing, and fishing trips out into the Chesapeake Bay or James Riverand sometimes even the Eastern Shore of Virginia with his brothers JP and Frank, and his beloved nephew Nelson Johnson were common. If it was freshwater fishing, his spot was the Black Water River. Wilbert also had a passion for singing. He led a number of songs to include “I’m Out Here On Your Word”, “Peace Be Still”, “I’m Pressing On” and other songs of praise!

Though our hearts feel the weight of his absence, we rejoice in the knowledge that his soul now rests in eternal peace. His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the faith he exemplified, and the countless lives he touched.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “If our hope is in this world alone, we are people most miserable.” “Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

William “Wilbert” Johnson, Sr., Transitioned from this life on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his residence.

On Friday, August 8, 2025, Viewing will take place from 5-7 pm with a Wake Service from 5:30-7pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday at 11 am at Chapel Grove UCC, 7366 West Blackwater Rd, Windsor, VA 23487. Interment will follow the service in Chapel Grove UCC Cemetery. Please keep the Johnson family in your thoughts and prayers.