Emerick Robert Johnson's Obituary
Emerick Robert Johnson ~ A Jackson Legend
Obituary
On Saturday, January 1, 2022 New Year’s Day a Jackson legend, Emerick Robert Johnson spirit transitioned from our physical world to the spiritual world. He woke up that morning and drove himself to the hospital where he passed from a massive heart attack. Emerick was born to the union of Robert and Geneva Johnson on October 19, 1957 in Jackson, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sisters Dianna (Hurt) Sanders and Diann Hurt, and brother-in-law Robert Pearson.
Emerick grew up in a middle-class home with his mother and father who were very loving, religious, spiritual, hardworking, and independent. They were exceptionally skilled at many things like business matters, handymen/maintenance, sports, music, cooking, gardening, and the list goes on. They were very involved in their community; church, neighborhood affairs, and city structures and regulations. A black family with their status at that time made them legendary in their community, even until this day. This set the tone for Emerick’s adulthood. That became the foundation and influence for him to utilize his talents, intelligence, and to be humble with a big heart that loved everyone. It didn’t matter who you were, where you came from, your cultural background, and race didn’t matter to him. He treated everyone special but somehow, he made everyone feel uniquely special about themselves. Everyone who knew him, has an Emerick story to tell. He was always smiling and joking around, but if you crossed him or someone he cared about, you would be in trouble. Many had to find that out the hard way.
Emerick was a very sentimental individual and he deeply loved his family. He often spoke highly about his children and he would always support them any way that he could. He was a proud father and proud of each of his children and grandchildren. He knew his family well and how everyone was connected. As a child, he would be the one sitting in the midst of “Adult conversations” and wouldn’t forget a thing or any detail that was spoken about. As an adult he was able to bring those same conversations into today’s conversations and make them relevant so we could learn from them. He also spent time watching his mother cook her famous Sweet Potato Pies and when she was no longer able, he began to make them. You could not tell her pies from his pies. His mother was his world and he was hers. On February 15, 2021 she passed away from aging. She was 17 days from being 92 years of age and he had diligently cared for her for years right up to the end. Every year on Christmas day, him and her hosted a huge family gathering for breakfast. He was the main cook and every year it seemed to get bigger and bigger as it became a family and friend’s breakfast, which will be truly, truly missed.
The single and most remembered thing that many, many individuals will miss about Emerick, is getting their haircut. Emerick was phenomenal at his craft and the GOAT in Jackson for his grooming skills. It didn’t matter if it was a man, woman, or a child, he worked with them all and he did it all. Perms, trims, beards, eyebrows, etc., women never had to worry about him cutting off too much of their hair when they got a trim. Lastly, he was recognized for being a true hustler. A man that would find a way to make a dollar. “Papa was a rolling stone,” no more needs to be said.
Cherished and precious memories of Emerick’s life will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his five children and 15 grandchildren; Eric (Amanda Hynes) Ingram (his children; Zaire Ingram, Xavion Ingram, Ariyana Ingram, Tyson Ingram, and Kingston Ingram) from Jackson, Michigan. Emerick Marquis Johnson Sr. (his children; Emerick Marquis Johnson Jr. and Emma Marie Johnson) from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Brian (Crystal) Campbell (his children; Brian Nathaniel Campbell the 2nd and Graham Nathaniel Campbell) from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Genina (Darrin Gipson) Lashay Smith (her children; Jayveon Smith, Will Smith, Gekiyah Gipson, and Darhianna Gipson) from Jackson, Michigan. Kiara Marie Smith (her children; Keiarh Smith and Kaleah Upshaw) from Jackson, Michigan. Siblings; Phyllis Pearson from Holly Springs, Mississippi, Dexter (Sharon) Hurt from Jackson, Michigan, Warren (Zetta) Johnson Sr. from Jackson, Michigan, Stanley Johnson Sr. from Jackson, Michigan, Craig (Rita Arnold) Johnson from Jackson, Michigan. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends and associates will also remain to treasure the life and legacy he lived.
Written by Joan Lewis
January 11, 2022
What’s your fondest memory of Emerick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Emerick?
Share a story where Emerick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Emerick you’ll never forget.
How did Emerick make you smile?
