Mr. Joseph Edward Johnson
Mr. Joseph Edward Johnson was born on December 7, 1935, to the late Joseph and Catherine Johnson in Blackstone, Virginia, a town in Nottoway County. As an 18-year-old, in 1953 he traveled with his grandmother to Braddock, Pennsylvania, a borough of Pittsburgh and a thriving steel mill town. While his grandmother returned to Blackstone, Joseph decided he would stay behind with his aunt Willie Mae, and took advantage of the employment opportunities the Pittsburgh area had to offer.
Joseph worked odd jobs to establish himself and ease his relocation, to include taking a position as a cook at Lumburger, a local blackowned restaurant. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Marjorrie Lorraine Williams. They were married on January 3, 1964.
After marriage, Joseph worked at Watson Paint and Glass Company. One day while heading home from work, a person familiar with Joseph approached him and asked if he was interested in becoming a fireman. Seizing the career opportunity, he became the first black fireman for the borough of Braddock. Joseph held the distinction of being the only black fireman until the borough disbanded the paid fire services and converted to volunteer. During his tenure as a fireman, he encountered overt racism and discrimination. To many in the community, he was affectionately known as “Fireman Eddie.”
Over fifty years later during the borough’s black history month celebration, Braddock’s mayor proposed, and the Council approved a resolution declaring February 28th Joseph Edward Johnson Day, recognizing him as the borough’s first Black fireman.
Holding a position of prominence in the community, Joseph became an influential citizen. He purchased and owned several properties in the neighborhood. At one time, he threw his hat in the ring for election as mayor of Braddock. At the church his family attended (Calvary A.M.E. Church), he would often prepare meals for church auxiliaries and organizations. During Christmas, he played Santa Claus for the neighborhood kids. Many youth in the community looked up to him as a father figure and one to emulate.
After his career as a fireman ended, Joseph worked alongside his wife Marjorrie, who managed a local convenience store. He then took a job at the Temple Sinai Synagogue, in Squirrel Hill, PA. Marjorrie later joined him there as an event manager at the Temple. They were employed there for 20 years and retired together.
In July of 2022, Joseph and Marjorrie pulled up their Pennsylvania roots and relocated to Columbia, South Carolina to be near their daughters. They began to enjoy the southern hospitality of friends and family, and the warmer climate. They looked forward to going to Hopkins Park Adult Activity Center for daily activities each weekday morning.
In May of 2023, Joseph lost his wife of 59 years. Marjorrie having been ever the chider, family members joked upon Joseph’s transition that she said to him “What took you so long?” Now, they are together forever.
In addition to his parents and wife, Joseph was preceded in death by his sisters, Alfreda Johnson and Evelyn D. Johnson; and brother-in-law, Calvin Daly.
Joseph leaves behind to continue his legacy two loving and attentive daughters (and their spouses), who provided personal and loving care for their dad: Orial LaRae (Eric) Flores and Marilyn LaFonda Johnson-Thompson (Ronald) both of Columbia, SC; four grandchildren, Yolanda (LaTausha) Johnson of North Versailles, PA, Terry Johnson of Braddock, PA, Candice Johnson-Evans (Devin) and Joseph Edward Johnson II (Emily) of Columbia, SC., four great-grandchildren, Justine McWright Johnson, Dominique and Drew Evans, Dallas Thomas Johnson; and one great- great-grandchild, KayJa McWright.
Joseph also leaves behind one uncle, William Bennie Wynn of Blackstone, VA; three siblings, Brenda Daly of Upper Marlboro, MD, Samuel Lee Johnson (Patricia) of Washington, DC, and Saundra Simmons (Heyward) of Temple, MD; two sisters-in-law, Marlene Williams of Columbia, SC, and Twana Patton of Swissvale, PA.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and two fur-baby dogs, Butters and Laci.
Condolences to my cousins LaRae and Marilyn on the loss of your father. He was one of a kind and will be missed! My prayers continue to go out to you as you navigate this difficult time.
I am a former son-in law of Mr. Joseph and Marjorie Johnson.
I am truly grateful for God’s sovereign and favor in my life just to meet them. They say that man plans but God supplies the provision. His Providence is always on time. I could not have asked for a better man in my life. A man of true conviction and about righteousness.
Allow me to tell you a quick story and one of his sayings.
In my early years I called myself being a Construction Boss. So, that allowed me to attempt to put a new roof on his house. He believed Dad knew my bid was too low but he allowed me to get this experience. Well, it didn’t end well needless to say, and he hit me with one of his favorite line which was “the operation was a success but the patient died.” I am reminder of that beautiful saying when I speak to my grandkids while helping them learn the facts of life.
Dad and Mom kept it real and I will be forever grateful for their straight up answers and TRUTH!!!
To my family, May God be with You, as much as He is for You!!!
I love you Guys!!!
I am sending my sincere prayers and condolences to you and your entire family. Letting go of a loved one is very difficult however when we know where they are going it’s much easier to cooperate with. The pain doesn’t go away God just gives us the o strength to go one.
LaRae & Marilyn
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Eddie left me with wonderful childhood memories. Know that both your mom and dad will forever be with you. Every day you wake up and look in the mirror know that you are their reflection. I appreciate the time I was able to spend with Eddie last year; we laughed and had a great time together. Thanks for the memories.
Love to you both
My deepest sympathy to the Johnson family. Mr. J was truly a blessing and his kindness and humor will be truly missed. God be with all of you.
My deepest sympathy to the Johnson family. Mr. J was truly a blessing and his kindness and humor will be truly missed. God be with you all.
My dearest line sister Marilyn, His legacy will live on through the love and values he instilled in you. Know that you are surrounded by caring friends who are here for you.” “During this time of profound loss, know that I’m here to offer you support and a shoulder to lean on. ♥️🩷💚
I am so sorry for the loss and praying for the family, friends, and loved ones.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family during this time. Praying for comfort and healing.
My prayers go out to my niece, LaRae and Marilyn and the rest of the family. Love you, aunt Twana.
Uncle Samuel, Aunts Sandra & Brenda
To our nieces LaRae and Marylyn, our hearts aches that we cannot physically be there today, but please know we will always be here for you’ll! Our brother’s love lives on through all of us and will give us unbelievable strength. Edward was an amazing sibling and friend. We Pray that God grant us Peace and Comfort during this trying time. He will truly be missed!
Uncle Samuel, Aunts Sandra & Brenda
To our nieces LaRae & Marylyn, our hearts aches that we cannot physically be there today, but know that we will always be here for you’ll. Our brother’s love lives on through all of us and gives us unbelievable strength! Edward was an amazing sibling and friend! We pray that God gives us Peace and comfort during this trying time. He will truly be missed!
My deepest condolences.
Mr. Eddie was a true inspiration to everyone who crossed his path. He generously shared his time, wisdom, and heart. His presence shaped my character in ways I can never fully explain.
Growing up without a father, I often looked to Mr. Eddie as an example of what a real man and father should be. Through his quiet strength and integrity, he filled a space in many of our lives.
Thank you, Mr. Eddie, for the light you shined on me. You will be deeply missed.
With love and gratitude,
Kevin Smiley Lee
Deepest condolences. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.
Please accept my prayers and condolences. Mr Eddie was a big part of of upbringing. He was always there for my brother and I. I will definitely miss our talks.
Marilyn,
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time and may you remember the good memories.
Desr Johnson family, we are sending sincere condolences asking God to keep you i his care:Earl, Waverly Jr. Clinton,, lula Johnson & family/
Darrell Peterson & Lisa Peterson Rodriguez
Marilyn,
I pray for God to grant you and your family peace, strength and comfort during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.
Deepest condolences. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.
Deepest condolences. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.
My condolences to you and your family, Marilyn. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sending my most heart felt condolences to your family in this loss!
Prayers of comfort for the family. Your are loved!
Victoria Dixon-Mokeba
My Prayers for Comfort for you at this time of Bereavemrnt. Please accept my condolences.
Extending my deepest condolences to the Johnson family, my family also. Sharing in your sorrow.
I’m so sorry about Ed’s death. Condolences to the family.
Sending condolences to the family. So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I will pray for your peace during this time. He was a good man.
The Bell Family
Sending my deepest sympathy, condolences and prayers to the family.
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences and prayers to the family and relatives and friends.
I love meeting Mr Johnson at our Hopkins Park Wellness Center. He and his wife were very special to me. We shared many laughs. Mr Johnson had a particularly great sense of humor and made the group belly laugh often.
Love and peace sent to their family.
Stephie Bridgers
Center Manager
Senior Resources inc