John Calvin Johnson

Mr. John Calvin Johnson, 91, of Edison, NJ and formerly of Chase City, VA entered eternal rest Wednesday, October 6, 2025.

Mr. Johnson, affectionately known as ‘Singing Deacon’, was born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia on November 4, 1933 to the late Junius and Anna E. Johnson, the fifth of seven children. He attended Whiteman Elementary School and Mecklenburg County Training School in South Hill, VA. Mr. Johnson continued his education at Virginia State College in Petersburg, VA and R.O.T.C. training in Ft. Lee, VA and VSU. He entered the United States Army in 1954 and served until 1956 in the Korean Conflict, receiving an honorable discharge. Mr. Johnson joined the Abyssinian Baptist Church in 1952 and was ordained as a Deacon, serving as President of the Deacon Board for several years. He served faithfully as a member of the Bowling Club, Young People’s Choir, Usher Board (President), and Chair of various Financial Ministries.

He relocated to Newark, NJ in 1956, where he began employment with the Otto B. May Chemical Company until it’s closure in 1978. He later gained employment by the City of Newark as Manager for the Dept. of Property Clearance until his retirement in 1995. He fulfilled his civic duty as a 33rd Degree Mason from King William Grand Lodge and Joshua Lodge #8, Grand Patron of the Queen of Sheba Grand Chapter, Associate Patron of the National Body. Mr. Johnson enjoyed carpentry, was a die-hard Mets fan, and enjoyed playing cards and family outings.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irma B. Johnson; and three siblings, James Johnson, Rhoena Brown and Junius Johnson, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Michelle Osavio (Ernesto) of Greenville, SC; son, Rodney Johnson (Patricia) of Edison NJ; grandchildren, Dayna Osavio, Dawnn Osavio, Devon Johnson and Ciara Johnson; great-granddaughter, Tianna Shell; sisters, Elzena “Kitty” Williams of Chase City, VA, Marie A. Crosson (Waverly) of Marrietta, GA; brother, Leon Johnson of Chase City, VA, and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends.

Funeral services for Mr. John Calvin Johnson will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Lone Oak Baptist Church, Chase City, VA. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Public viewing for family and friends will begin on Saturday from 10:00 until 10:45 A.M. at the church.

Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.harrisfhc.com.