Dr. Samuel Johnson (1939-2022)

JOHNSON, JONES

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/21/2022 at 13:20:58

Dr. Samuel Johnson, 82, of Rock Island, IL passed away at Clarissa Cook Hospice House surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Those left to honor his life include his wife of 62 years, Effie Jean and children Samuel “Sammie” Johnson, Terry (Mark) Johnson-Sanchez, Samuel (Shari) Johnson Jr., Sandra Johnson, Daniel (Angilla) Johnson, Gregory Johnson, John Johnson, Tammy Johnson, Reshanda Johnson, Demetrius (Valencia) Johnson, Tornita (Branden) Johnson-Lee, and Cynthia Johnson. Surviving siblings include Elihue (Sally) Johnson and Mattie Dickerson. Sam will also be treasured by 28 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He also leaves behind one of his best friends, Elex Roberts.

Sam was humble and shy in nature, but had a larger than life persona. He could say exactly what he needed to say, just by looking at you. Affectionally known as Bear, Pops and Daddy Sam, everyone who came in contact with him knew him as “Friend”. Sam’s motto in life was simply “treat everybody right”. In addition to treating everyone right, Sam loved his family and was passionate about sharing Christ with others. He was the kindest and most respectful man you could meet.

Sam was born in Eldorado, Arkansas in 1939. He graduated in 1957 from Bradley High School in Warren, AR. Sam excelled in sports and had a love for learning. Sam graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Class of ’73.

Sam formed a relationship with Christ at an early age. He spent his Sunday mornings and Wednesday and Friday nights driving his mother to Triumph Church services, in Warren AR. Once a month, visiting members from Eldorado, AR, who shared the same minister, visited his mother’s church. He wasn’t successful at wooing a certain young lady who visited with her grandmother at that time. But shortly after their high school graduation, Sam moved to Chicago to find her. Their first visit included Sam serenading her with Sam Cooke’s version of “Darling You Send me”. The rest, as they say, is history. The love story of Sam and Effie Jean has spanned 62 years.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; Pargo and Vertie Johnson, sisters; Leola “Red” (Edward) Kelly Sims and Bobbie (Hurley) Kelly Jones, twin brother Daniel (Alberta) Johnson and grandson Robert Earl Johnson Jr., favorite cousin Minor “Pam” Wilson and best friend Bill Hill.

Sam’s family will celebrate his life in a private ceremony. Condolences are welcome at www.wheelanpressly.com.

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