Holly Springs Funeral Home

Don H. Johnson
Don H. Johnson Many people throughout our nation and other parts of the world are mourning the loss of Bishop Don H. Johnson, who passed away in his home Tuesday morning, April 17, at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Rooker Johnson, his father, mother and 3 brothers. He is survived by his sister, Billie Ruth Thurmond of Blue Mountain, Mississippi; two sons, Rev. David L. Johnson (Nancy) of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Rev. Charles L. Johnson (Renee) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a daughter, Donna Karen Kirk of Memphis; 7 grandchildren: Rev. Charles David Johnson (Jeanna), Rev. Mark Johnson (Tabatha), Aimee Weeden (Chris), Kelli Neier (Jason), Joshua Johnson, Jonathan Johnson, Carmen Johnson; 6 great-grandchildren: Ashley Johnson, Nathan Johnson, Ashton Johnson, Katelyn Weeden, Hayley Weeden, Jeffrey Neier; 2 sisters-in-law to whom he remained close: Thelma Hall of Memphis, and Elois Windham (Ardie) of Mt. Pleasant, Mississippi; nieces, nephews, and a loving church congregation. Bishop Johnson was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 6, 1929, the fourth son of Marvin and Nova Johnson. He came with his family to Memphis in June, 1958, and became pastor of Grey Road Pentecostal Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. He led this church with distinction and honor until his death. In 1982, he became General Superintendent of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ and served for 18 years, leading this organization to unprecedented growth and success. During his ministry, he preached in 34 states and visited 52 countries. He also recorded numerous gospel singing albums and was the author of a number of popular gospel songs, the most well-known being I Cant Complain. He received several honorary degrees, state and local commendations, and met several United States presidents and dignitaries. Bishop Johnson will be missed by those who knew him and by many who did not know him personally, not only because of his preaching and singing ability, but because of his sweet, winsome personality. He is gone but will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 6 - 9 p.m.; the funeral will be on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10 a.m., both at Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, 4248 Grey Road, Memphis. Interment will be in Forest Hill East Cemetery. His family wishes to express their gratitude for all the kindness shown and requests that any memorial gifts be sent to the Grey Road Church. Special thanks to Baptist Trinity Hospice for their care.

Please leave your condolences for the family below in the guest book by filling out the form below. Your message will be published after review.

- Name:
- Message:

- Name:
- Rev. David W. Smith & Pastor Wayne Smith
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 7:46:16 AM
- Comment:
- Words cannot express our hearts for this family. We love you all dearly. What an inspiration Bro.Don Johnson has been in our lives. I'm so sorry that my dad is in the hospital at this time. I speak for him as well. He'll be missed. We love you and pray for strength in the days to come until we all meet again. He will never be forgotten, his anointing, his music, his ministry, his great leadership, but most of all his friendship. God Bless You! Victory Apostolic Church/Winnsboro, Louisiana Pastor Wayne Smith Assistant Pastor --David W. Smith Jr
- Name:
- Sis Winnie Glasgow
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 7:47:29 AM
- Comment:
- We, at First Apostolic Tabernacle of Sweetwater Texas, were blessed to have known Bro and Sis Johnson personally. Bro Marvin Glasgow and I always counted them as our friends and loved them. Bro Johnson was so kind to call me when Bro Glasgow passed and I appreciated it so much. To David and Charles: Our love and prayers are with you and your families. Sister Winnie Glasgow
- Name:
- Glenda G
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 7:49:31 AM
- Comment:
- This Man of God will truly be missed.. loved his preaching and singing. I know he is singing and rejoicing in heaven with Sis. Johnson and many other icons that have gone on to be with JESUS.
- Name:
- Gloria Hux Barnes
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 7:56:49 AM
- Comment:
- Bro. Johnson was such a great man, well respected and loved much. He will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time of sorrow. Bro and Sis Johnson are dancing on the streets of Glory and they have made it to that place that they worked towards for so many years.
- Name:
- Peggy Shelby
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 8:37:24 AM
- Comment:
- Bro. Johnson...A man of God, a mentor, a friend to many. He gave me gentle but solid support during my time as a teacher at the academy. My heart is full as I think of the love he showed to those around him. It didn't matter your status in life. He embraced you as you were. Those he embraced were changed by his guidance. I miss him already. I know he & his beloved wife are once more united in heaven.
- Name:
- Bro. & Sis. John Willis,North Vernon,In.
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 8:53:50 AM
- Comment:
- Our lifes and ministries have been blessed by Bishop and Sis.Johnson's love and giving of themselves! Their message of being totally devoted to not only the work of the Lord but to the family,education and to each other will forever live! They loved the common man and were friends with Presidents! It is difficult to refer to one without the other. NOW ...they can be "Right In The Middle Of It ALL"!
- Name:
- Pastor & Mrs. John Willis
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 9:41:57 AM
- Comment:
- Dear Johnson Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of a great Pentecostal preacher and friend. I regret that Sis. Willis and I will be unable to attend the memorial services for Bishop Johnson, it is not because we did not not want to attend, but are unable to do so. Bro. Johnson and I have had a lot of great times together and I have always respected him, not only as a fellow minister but as a mentor. I have never been with him at any time that he did not make me feel blessed. When I first met the Bro. Johnson (about 48 Years ago) I was just a young upstart preacher. He, along with many of our ministers that have preceeded him in death have helped me become the man I am today. I will forever be grateful for his ministry and leadership. To all the family. "Our prayers are with you" and a special "Thank You" to David, Donna, & Charles for shareing your father with all of us. Our love to you, Pastor John Willis First Apostolic Church North Vernon, IN
- Name:
- Brenda Rutledge Casteel
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 12:25:45 PM
- Comment:
- We have always loved the Johnson family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
- Name:
- Norma Rutledge
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 12:29:19 PM
- Comment:
- To the family, we have always been close and I pray blessings on all the family. Sorry I cannot be there during this time. You all have my love and prayers. Sis. Rutledge
- Name:
- Bernice & Barbara Lemons
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 1:52:09 PM
- Comment:
- Bro David, Bro Charlie, Sis Karen: We so loved Bro & Sis Johnson. Our relationship has been a long and beautiful one, from The Lemons Family traveling and singing with Bro Johnson to campmeetings and visiting in Grey Road services. We understand your sorrow at the loss, we lost Daddy in December 2010, and know that coming days will be especially precious with wonderful memories. I can only imagine the rejoicing in Heaven! Please know that you'll be in our prayers. Bernice & Barbara Lemons,
- Name:
- Rev. Jewelus G. Pulley
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 2:45:08 PM
- Comment:
- We are praying for your family & the Church family. We love you all and will miss you greatly. The Rev. Jewelus Pulley Family of Grand Saline, Texas
- Name:
- Sis. Sheila & Bro. Ray Edwards, Kpt., TN.
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 3:41:06 PM
- Comment:
- We are so sad to hear of Bro. Johnson's passing. Yet we rejoice to know he is at Peace with Christ. This was what he labored for and work toward in his work for GOD. He was a great man of GOD and we will remember the many great messages he preached here in Kingsport. We will continue to listen to his many wonderful songs and rejoice in the LORD, to have known him. Our prayers are with each of you and his assembly, for your loss is heaven's gain. much love and prayers...... Bro. Ray & Sis. Sheila Edwards Victory Apostolic Church, Kpt., TN.
- Name:
- Rev. Randal C. Witt
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 8:52:59 PM
- Comment:
- We pray for your family's peace and comfort while rejoicing for Heaven's gain. I remember many revivals preached at North Charleston (WV) Apostolic when Bro. Lewis Harrah was my pastor as a boy. Bishop Johnson was a great man!
- Name:
- wanda lady
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 9:35:39 PM
- Comment:
- i am so so sorry for your loss. i always loved to hear brother johnson sing. he was a man of talent and who the lord used in his music. he always touch me through his music. he will be missed.AGAIN I AM SO SORRY.
- Name:
- Latisha and Harvey Thomas
- Date:
- 4/19/2012 11:49:10 PM
- Comment:
- We are praying for you all.
- Name:
- Tim Bell
- Date:
- 4/20/2012 2:13:52 AM
- Comment:
- A great friend. My favorite preacher and singer. I'll miss you and we love you.
- Name:
- Aletha Krebs
- Date:
- 4/20/2012 7:28:06 AM
- Comment:
- We have lost a giant in the Apostolic Movement and in the Kingdom of God. Only eternity will reveal the lives Bro. Johnson has touched and those who chose to follow Christ because of him. The Johnson family has long been a shining example of all that is good, pure and holy. I thank God that I have had the opportunity to call you 'friends'. May God bless and comfort you during this time of transition, and in the days ahead.
- Name:
- Bro. Bennie Vincent
- Date:
- 4/20/2012 7:38:39 AM
- Comment:
- My deepest condolences in the loss of your parents, they were such an inspirition to so many and to myself. It was an honor from God to have been there friends. I first met Bro. Johnson in Pontiac, MI and then he come and preached at the Greater Lighthouse church here in Madisonville, KY. God bless the Johnson Family. Bro. Bennie.
- Name:
- Jay Vance
- Date:
- 4/20/2012 4:25:02 PM
- Comment:
- I was saddened to hear of the passing of Bro. Johnson. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Name:
- Andrea and Robert Miller,Crawfordsville In {prev,H.S.Ark.}
- Date:
- 4/21/2012 4:35:19 AM
- Comment:
- Searching deep inside our hearts to clearly state, the profound effect,his life had on ours.From the beginning of our friendship long ago,and through the years.Though he was well known,,his voice whether in person or recorded,reached out to 'us',connecting heart and,spirit with our pain and joy.Each message, each song,found it's mark. I recall thirty yrs. ago,he was with us in revival.We had come to a place and time when real revival was rolling through our town. Our hrs. were from can to can't.Bro Johnson, a scheduled,punctual man began his day at dawn, I guess, He would walk up and down our hall saying"where's breakfast"? We were soundly sleeping,Bob would shower and dress, then these two handsome men would leave to eat at 'Lil Mexico' to Bro Jonnson's surprise.Years later ,we enjoyed their hospitality,along with our two youngest sons Matt and Isaac .Bro Don called to them from downstairs,"get up boys and eat this hot breakfast", "last one you'll ever see"..."No cold cereal today"...and what a morning feast it was.We really loved him,holding him in high esteem.It could be said of him,"the world was not worthy" Yet we were favored by his faithful friendship.We send such love and comfort, as humans are capable.God Bless you Johnsons,familyfor sharing him with us.Andrea and Bob Miller
- Name:
- Jason Scheel - Lighthouse Pentecostal Church
- Date:
- 4/22/2012 9:48:28 PM
- Comment:
- A dear hero of THE faith has gone on to his reward. We were greatly blessed numerous times by his Music and Ministry. He will be greatly missed and will never be replaced... Even in the most trying moments in our futures we will recall God's words so eloquently shared originally from his voice -indeed God is so good we can't complain. We, with Gods grace, will remain totally devoted. Our love and prayers are with the entire family and church family.
- Name:
- LouElla Brady
- Date:
- 8/4/2012 2:21:18 PM
- Comment:
- Our family was also much blessed by the calling of Bishop Johnson. We thank God for these men of God that have helped us on our earthly journey. Yours in Christ, Bro. and Sis. Elijah Brady

Don H. Johnson