Willie James Johnson, 63, passed away on Saturday April 18, 2020 at Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ due to natural causes. Willie Johnson was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 31, 1956. He was the son of the late Wilson Johnson and Shirley Mae Oliver. Willie attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, NJ, continued his studies through Job Corps and from there he joined the United States Army. Willie enlisted in the Army in 1974 and was stationed in Fort Sill, OK where he was an authorized Sharpshooter (Rifle M-16). He then was promoted in 1979 as specialty ranked. His specialty title was a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic and his civilian occupation was Auto Mechanic. His active duty assignments were in St. Louis, MO and Ft. Carson, CO. In addition to his Army life, Willie was a proud member of The Elks Lodge when he resided in CT and pursued an education in Culinary Arts when he resided in GA.

Willie Johnson was a former husband to Estelle "Kathy" Lewis Taylor. When Willie and Kathy met, she had an 18-month-old son "Howard Charles Rhett" that Willie instantly looked at as his own. They married in March of 1980 and had two children together. First came Fontaine James Johnson, then came Tara Kenyona "Johnson"Fountain. Through their unity, many grandchildren live on through his legacy. The Children of Fontaine James Johnson (Elijah James Johnson, Amariah Julie Johnson, Azaileya Judea Johnson, Bella Joy Johnson and Jahnjaimz Fontaine Johnson). The Children of Tara Kenyona Fountain (Zion Fountain, Malachi Fountain and the late Lydia Fountain). Children of Howard Charles Rhett (Isaiah Anthony Rhett, Joy Sharmaine Rhett, Elias Rhett and Alisha Monique Rhett). Fontaine Johnson is married to Lucretia Johnson; Tara Fountain is married to Scottie Fountain and Howard Rhett is married to Gill Rhett.

Willie Johnson was a man of great stature and he knew it. There is not a soul on this earth that has met Willie and didn't fall in love with him. There is something about him that just captivates your heart. Willie was a very quiet man but when he spoke, we listened. Although Willie was a quiet soul, this man will have you laughing so hard that your stomach hurts. He was very comical, but you had to watch for it, or you would miss it. “Like waiting for your favorite TV show." Willie had great taste in music, not just any music, it had to be old school R&B or jazz. Jazz was for sure his favorite and he definitely had some interesting dance moves.

Willie loved to cook and was great at it. He enjoyed teaching his children how to cook as well. His favorite cuisine of all-time traces back to his roots in Baltimore. Crabs and all types of seafood were his favorites. Willie was also someone you can go to and share your inner most thoughts and secrets because he was such a good listener and you knew that your secrets were safe with him. Willie gave great advice to those that would come to him. Along with his great characteristics Willie was very militant. A lot of family members would tell you that if they got caught acting up when they were children, they knew their punishment was push-ups and they felt as though they had joined the Army. Willie was known as Aliku, Dad, Pop, pop-pop, Big Brother, Uncle Willie, cousin, nephew and a friend. He carried his roles with great pride. 

Willie James Johnson is survived by his son Fontaine James Johnson, his daughter Tara Kenyona "Johnson" Fountain, his grandchildren from oldest to youngest; Zion Fountain, Elijah James Johnson, Malachi Fountain, Amariah Julie Johnson, Azaileya Judea Johnson, Bella Joy Johnson, and Jahnjaimz Fontaine Johnson. Son in law Scottie Fountain and Daughter in law Lucretia Johnson. His Siblings; Mazie Pinkney, Renee Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Althea Haygood, Demetrius and Charles Johnson. Brother in laws; Rufus Haygood, Clarence Pinkney and Sister in law Melba Johnson. Many Aunts, Nephews, Nieces, cousins, loved ones and friends. 

Willie is predeceased by his father Wilson Johnson, Mother Shirley Mae Oliver, brothers; Steven Johnson, Tyrone Johnson and granddaughter Lydia Fountain

The Funeral services will be held on Sunday April 26th at Smith Funeral Home 455 N. Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07208. Viewing will be at 12pm-restricted to only 9 people