H 5075  Resolution, By Funderburk
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH
 CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE REVEREND JOHN E.
 JOHNSON OF CAMDEN AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY
 FRIENDS.
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   01/30/20  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 3)

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE REVEREND JOHN E. JOHNSON OF CAMDEN AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Reverend John E. Johnson of Camden on January 23, 2020, at the venerable age of nearly one hundred two; and

Whereas, born in Camden on May 26, 1918, John Johnson was the son of Harry and Pauline Johnson. The young John attended the public schools of Camden and continued his education at Clinton Junior College in Rock Hill, New York University, the American Bible College in New York, and the School of Religion in New York; and

Whereas, in 1941, Reverend Johnson was drafted into the U.S. Army for service in World War II. During his military service, he spent time in Central Europe, Northern France, and the Rhineland. He received the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and World War II Victory Medal before his honorable discharge; and

Whereas, later, he worked for the New City Central Railroad. God called him to preach in 1949, and, having been ordained by the Empire State Baptist Association, he pastored at Gethsemane Baptist Church in New York; and

Whereas, Reverend Johnson returned to Camden in 1971 and joined Edwards Chapel AME Zion Church. He went on to pastor at Edwards Chapel, Pleasant Grove II, Beaver Creek, Good Hope, Zion Hill, Beatty's Chapel, Chestnut Ridge, and Mt. Vernon AME. He retired from preaching while serving in this last pastorate; and

Whereas, having joined the Masons in 1951, he became a thirty-second degree Mason and served as the state grand master of the United Sons of Abraham and Daughters of Jerusalem. He was a member of Richmond Lodge #152 in Bethune; and

Whereas, Reverend Johnson leaves to cherish his memory the people of his many former congregations and a host of colleagues and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Reverend John E. Johnson of Camden and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.