Thomas Johnson Jr.

Thomas Johnson Jr., 76, husband of Christine White Johnson, entered eternal rest on Monday, March 15, 2010, at his home.

Born Sept. 1, 1933, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Thomas Sr. and Evelyn Pugh Johnson. He was educated in the public schools of Clarendon County. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mount Zero Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member of the usher board. He retired from Georgia Pacific Corp. after 35 years of service.

His legacy and love will continue through a loving and devoted wife, Christine White Johnson of the home, Sumter; five sons, Thomas Johnson III, Robert Johnson, Michael (Mary Jane) Johnson and Timothy Johnson, all of Sumter, and Bishop Jeffrey (Cynthia) Johnson of Mayesville; six daughters, Catherine (James) Gates of Philadelphia, Pa., Lafondra (Gary) Brown of Raeford, N.C., Shirley (Ernest) Starling, Michelle (Willie) Wilson, Sebrina Johnson and Erica Baldwin, all of Sumter; a sister, Mary Davis of Manning; three brothers-in-law, John White, William White and Elder Gazell Scarborough; a sister-in-law, Susan (Conner) Brooks; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

He was also preceded in death by two sons, George and Clifton Johnson.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Mount Zero Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Henry K. Pressley, pastor, assisting Bishop O.W. Prince, Elder Gazell Scarborough, Elder Wayne Brunson and Bishop Jeffery Johnson.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Community Funeral Home of Sumter was in charge of these arrangements.