Gerald "Doc" Johnson Jr.'s Obituary
My Life and Legacy – Gerald Johnson, Jr.
Let me start by saying, first and foremost, I have had a fantastic life! The most important thing you should know is that I had a relationship with God. I could end it right there because, frankly, nothing else matters! But I am Gerald Johnson, Jr., better known as "Doc" to many of you, and if you really know me – dry humor and all – you know I have much more to say.
As a funeral director, I was passionate about what I did. I took pride in supporting families in laying their loved ones to rest. The funeral industry is remarkably interesting, and I did not land in it haphazardly. It was in divine order. I spent over 40 years using my God-given talents and gifts to serve families nationwide during their most vulnerable moments. It has been my absolute joy and privilege to be God's servant.
But you might wonder how I got here…
I grew up in Detroit with my mom Adah Johnson, siblings Adrian Brown, and my brother David Walker. Oh – and the most fantastic dog on Earth, King! All preceded me in death. School was always pretty easy for me as I loved to learn. While attending Southwestern High School, I landed an opportunity to be an apprentice with one of the oldest design architectural firms in America – Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls. I am proud to say that my hands have been involved in the design of Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center. Even then, God was shaping my life and future.
I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to Syracuse University in 1973 where I studied architecture for two years. Then there was the pivotal moment that changed my trajectory. I lost my dear grandmother, Ruth Edwards Griffin, of Battle Creek, Michigan. Oh, how I loved her! The summers I spent in Battle Creek with her, and my granddad were some of the most joyous times in my life as a kid.
The God moment came when I connected with Mr. Toomes, the funeral director handling Grandma's arrangements. It was as if this moment, this time, this encounter, had been waiting for me, Gerald Johnson, Jr., to catch up to it. From that moment on, I knew that God was calling me to embrace an industry that many are apprehensive about, yet everyone relies on and needs. Through my own experience, I understood the importance of intentional service and care for grieving families. I understood this as a ministry and stepped into it without hesitation.
I transferred to Wayne State University and graduated in 1980 with a degree in Mortuary Science. Later, I passed the state boards and became a licensed funeral director in Michigan.
Under the tutelage of my mentor and friend, Mr. Toomes, I landed an opportunity with Stinson Funeral Home in Detroit and became the Manager of Embalming Operations. It was here that I began to master my skills both with restoration and engaging families.
Many of you know that some people are born to be entrepreneurs…I was one of them. I wanted my own operation and establishment, and I had my sights on establishing The House of Johnson Funeral Home one day.
I am getting ahead of myself – let me back up a bit. As a member of Southwestern Church of God under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Lawrence P. Wyatt, I heard the voice of what I compared to Mahalia Jackson.
It was Cheryl, and I was hooked! We married in 1983 and raised four amazing human beings: Dominique, Emmanuel, David, and yes, that girl…Mercedes.
With the support of Cheryl and my favorite uncle, Bill Griffin of Los Angeles, California, we opened The House of Johnson Funeral Home on June 1st, 1986. As the business grew, we launched another chapel in Jackson, Michigan, in 2006.
So, that's how I got here. I found so much joy and passion in helping families to honor their loved ones and grant them a sense of closure. I took immense pride in using my skills to present your loved ones in a beautiful and memorable way that would bring you comfort and peace.
But what has kept me here is just as important. I believe that God has used Godly men and women who were designed just for me. You know I'm a special person, so God had to create special people to walk this journey with me. This list is numerous, and you all know who you are. My family, friends, colleagues, and the amazing staff and people that have worked with me over these 40 years have been a blessing in my life. I know that collaborating with me wasn't always easy, but please know that you have been loved and that I needed each and every one of you in my life. You all have brought me extraordinary joy, and I am grateful. Thank you to my Citadel of Faith (Faith Citadel) church family and to Pastor Harvey Carey; thank you for the wonderful brotherhood, love, and leadership.
Outside of the funeral industry, I LOVED to travel! In my latter years, I was blessed to leave the business in my son Dominique's skillful and competent hands to take some much-needed breaks. I had such a wonderful time visiting numerous places around the world. But I am certain that my next destination is greater than any I have ever seen on Earth!
I leave a business legacy, and I am hopeful it will transcend for generations to come. I'm grateful that I lived to see all my children blossom and I am proud of them. God has blessed me to be able to see Dominique graduate from Wayne State University and become a fully licensed funeral director in the State of Michigan. It even appears that my grandchildren may follow suit! Wouldn't that be a blessing? Know that I leave you all in amazing hands.
Life is fleeting, isn't it? As time passes, we all ponder our legacy…our impact on the world that we leave behind. I would hope that though I was not perfect, I have left a positive imprint on your lives while I was on Earth. Whether our connection was professional or personal, I pray that I made you feel special.
This is one of the final messages I had the opportunity to share with friends and family via text on July 14th: "God's way is better than your way. His plan is bigger than your plan. His dream for your life is more rewarding, more fulfilling, better than you've ever dreamed of. Now stay open and let God do it HIS way. The past two days have been so difficult for me. I went into the hospital for the third time to have a procedure done and once again it was aborted because my heart had clots in it. The frustration and disappointment I had when I woke up to find out that it had not been done again and to be told that there is not a plan at this point, knowing that I am at a high risk of throwing a clot still, was absolutely depressing. It's taken me this time to realize maybe God just has a better plan. I certainly don't know what it is but, I have to believe that it is better than all that has been put forth. I just want to thank you all for praying and for your continued prayers. It has meant so much to me. God is going to work this out when He gets ready."
God had a better plan. He was ready to give me complete miraculous healing, and I answered His call to come home on Monday, July 31, 2023.
Thank you for your love and support for me and for The House of Johnson Funeral Home. As you leave this place, please don't let all of your love, support, phone calls, or cards for my family stop with this service today. Now is the time that they will need you the most.
Always remember, you never know the time or the place, so before you leave today, turn to three people, and tell them you love them because it is a terrible thing to come up short.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
–Numbers 6: 24-26 (NIV)
-Doc
Gerald Johnson, Jr. leaves to cherish his legacy – his wife, Cheryl P. Johnson; his sons, Dominique (Michelle) Johnson, Emmanuel Johnson, and David Johnson; his daughter, Mercedes (William) Johnson-Castleman; his grandchildren, Brooklyn, Madison, and Lennox Johnson; his sisters, Elizabeth (Gubby) Bey, and Louella Patton; his brother, John Johnson; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and plenty of friends that loved him beyond measure!
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?
