Bill Text: MS SC602 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Mourn the passing and commend the spiritual leadership of Church of God in Christ Superintendent Emeritus Earnest Johnson.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-2)
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-08 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC602 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC602-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Barnett, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), McDaniel
Senate Concurrent Resolution 602
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE PASSING AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP OF CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST SUPERINTENDENT EMERITUS EARNEST JOSEPH JOHNSON AND EXTENDING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO HIS BEREAVED FAMILY.
WHEREAS, Church of God In Christ Superintendent Emeritus Earnest Joseph Johnson was born on August 11, 1927, to the late Jessie Johnson, Sr., and the late Maggie Ella Brock Johnson in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. The Lord called him from labor to reward on January 28, 2016, in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by his family and members of his church family; and
WHEREAS, Superintendent Johnson received his education from Mt. Zion Community School in Bolton. After serving in the Army from 1952-1954, he received his high school diploma from Jim Hill High School with assistance from the G.I. Bill of Rights. He later matriculated through the Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges and received a diploma in pastoral theology in 1978; and
WHEREAS, on October 12, 1946, Superintendent Emeritus Johnson married his childhood sweetheart, Joe Mary Johnson, who preceded him in death. To this union were born two sons, Earnest Johnson and David Earl Johnson. In the year of his wife's death (2011), the couple would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary; and
WHEREAS, after returning home from the Army, Superintendent Johnson became the Pastor of Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ in the Tabb Bottom Community in Jackson. In 1963, he was appointed Pastor of his home church in Bolton, Mississippi, which was then named Polk Hill Sanctified Church. He later changed the name of the church to Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ and served faithfully and dutifully for over 52 years. The indelible impact of his ministry was experienced in several cities and towns in Mississippi. He assisted the late Elder Steve Coleman at Bethel Church of God in Christ in Edwards. He also served as Pastor of Mt. Moriah Church of God in Christ in Mendenhall and St. Mary Church of God in Christ in New Hebron, Mississippi. In recognition of his loyalty and faithfulness to the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, he was appointed Superintendent of District 10 by the late Bishop Theo Davis in 1984. In 1993, he was appointed Superintendent of District 7 and served in this capacity until his retirement in 2013. Bishop Hollis Musgrove also appointed him as First Administrative Assistant in 1992. He served faithfully in this position until his retirement in 2013. He also served for numerous years as Chairman of the Board of Superintendents. He was bestowed the honor of Emeritus Superintendent in 2014 by Bishop Hollis Musgrove; and
WHEREAS, in addition to possessing many spiritual gifts, Superintendent Johnson possessed countless natural gifts. As a bonded and licensed contractor, he renovated and constructed many houses and churches throughout the State of Mississippi. He was most proud of his construction of St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Vicksburg and Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ in Bolton. He would often revel at the fact that he did not hire an architect to design and draw the blueprint for Zion Chapel. He acknowledged that the Lord gave him the blueprint for the building. It now stands as a testament of the talents and skills of this most gifted contractor; and
WHEREAS, Superintendent Johnson's passing leaves a tremendous void in his family, local church, district and jurisdiction. His legacy will live on through the many lives he impacted over his 88 years on earth. He was truly a spiritual giant in the gospel ministry who was admired, trusted, respected and revered by all who encountered him; and
WHEREAS, he leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Earnest Johnson (Brenda) and Elder David Johnson, Sr., (Doris); five grandchildren: Cortez Mounger, Ricardo Mounger, Roshunda Sterling (Emmanuel); D'Ebonie Johnson and David Johnson, Jr.; two great-grandsons, Samad Mounger and Ernest Fields, IV; five brothers: Jimmie Richard, Tommie Richard, Eddie Richard, Cornelius Johnson and Charlie Johnson; two sisters, Jo Ann Kelly and Lula Johnson; stepmother, Vertis Johnson; two special nieces, Ocey Graves and Willie Bell Thompson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and the Zion Chapel Church Family. He also leaves a godmother, Alberta Brown; two goddaughters, Regina King and Mary Williams; a great-goddaughter, Carmelita Williams of Clinton; and two godsons, Douglas Williams and Edward Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Johnson, Sr., and Maggie Brock Richard; four brothers: Judge Johnson, Jessie Johnson, Jr., William C. Johnson and Jessie Johnson; and five sisters: Bessie Hill, Ella Mae Watts, Susie Johnson, Loree Middleton and Marie Evans:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the passing and commend the life of spiritual leadership of Church of God in Christ Superintendent Emeritus Earnest Joseph Johnson and extend the sympathy of the Legislature to his bereaved family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Church of God in Christ Superintendent Emeritus Earnest Joseph Johnson and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
