Obituaries

Jessie Lee Johnson was born May 15, 1959 in Elaine, Arkansas to Leroy T. Johnson, Sr. and Juanita Johnson. He was the third of five children and the baby boy born to this union.

Jessie accepted Christ at an early age. His involvement in the church led him to become a member of the family gospel group, the Johnson Five of Elaine, Arkansas.

Jessie lived in Chicago, Illinois for a short period later moving back to Arkansas where he lived with his grandparents; Janie and Willie Ewing. He graduated from Elaine High School in 1977. In 1978 he attended Job Corp, later returning home in 1979 to become a farmer.

In 1986 Jessie moved to Richmond, California where he worked as a foreman at the Chevron Refinery. He also worked as a cook at their family-owned establishment; Mom-Pop and Son’s during his spare time. He also enjoyed working on cars and rebuilding gadgets.

Jessie lived in California until 2019. He then returned to Arkansas to live out the remaining days of his life.

Jessie was called home on October 9, 2024 at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 65. Jessie is preceded in death by both his grandparents; Janie and Willie Ewing, both parents; Leroy and Juanita Johnson, Sr., two brothers; Chairls E. Johnson, Leroy T. Johnson, Jr., one sister; Lorrie “Twinkie” Johnson and a precious granddaughter; Malani J. Williams.

Jessie leaves behind two daughters; Jessica (Ronnell) Williams of Lakeview AR, Dalisha (Odell) Douglas of Fort Smith AR, two sisters; Janice Johnson of Richmond CA, Cherika Johnson of West Helena AR, eight grandchildren; Omarion, Aamariyah, Mallory, Jalicia, Kaylee, Odell Jr., Ronnell Jr., Princess Aubrey and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.