Mr. Lincoln "Pete" Johnson Jr
Better Known As
Pop Johnson
April 17, 1929-March 13, 2009
I was born on April 17, 1929, in Carroll County, Mississippi to the late Lincoln Sr., and Alice Green Johnson. I was the fourth of thirteen children. In 1950, I married the love of my life, Ruth Ellis Johnson. Together we were blessed with three children, John, Orlester, and Gail. I served my country faithfully two years in the United States Army.
In 1958, I became a member at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr. In 1991 as our son, Pastor Orlester Johnson, accepted the call and began pastoring, my wife and I joined Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries. As a member, I served faithfully on the deacon board, the benevolent committee, and as Tuesday Noon Prayer Leader.
As Greater Faith Tabernacle and around my neighborhood I was affectionately called "Pop" and Mayor of Rochester". I enjoyed helping my neighbors and friends with cutting yards, running errands, and even visiting the nursing home. On a yearly basis, I enjoyed keeping and maintaining my vegetable garden. I would even lend my big blue truck out to help others.
As I join the love of my life, Ruth-El, in heavenly bliss on this day, March 6th, I am also joining my brothers Parker and Hymond Johnson who proceded me.
I leave to cherish my memories: my children, John (Renell), Orlester (Jo Ann) and Gail Staples (James). My brothers and sisters, Robert Lee, Odell (Chicago), and Jimmy (June), LuRean Woodley (Sylvester), Mae Frances Boyd, Willie Lou Pate (Cruger, MS) Lou B Wiley (Hurman Sr.), Mary Powell, Johnnie Lee Richey (Willie), and Devoe Gatewood, all of Chicago. I have nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, friends and my Greater Faith Tabernacle family.
I would like to give special tanks to Mrs. Dorthy Harden, Geraldine Bailey, and Joseph Roberts. The West Clinic of Southaven, MS, Health South Rehab and the 3-South Staff at Methodist Germantown Hopsital, Dr. Michael and Whitlock and Angelyn Poindexter with whom I talked daily. Also, we give special thanks to the entire Greater Faith Family who worked untiringly during this hour of bereavement.
_____________________________________________________________________
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an Angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love.
But as I truned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, that this couls never be,
for emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of wordly things, I might miss come tomrrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
Love, Pete
