Rev Aaron Louis “Buddy” Johnson 1934 - 2020

Rev Aaron Louis “Buddy” Johnson
BIRTH
29 Aug 1934
Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee, USA
DEATH
5 Nov 2020 (aged 86)
BURIAL
Chattanooga National Cemetery
Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee, USA
PLOT
Section MM, Site 301
MEMORIAL ID
218241837 · View Source
MEMORIAL
PHOTOS 5
FLOWERS 2
Aaron (Buddy) L. Johnson, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee was born to the late Calloway (Calvin) and Daisy R. Jackson Johnson on August 29, 1934. He departed this life on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Star Regional Medical Center, Athens Tennessee. Aaron was a graduate of Austin High School, Knoxville, Tennessee class of 1954. After graduation, he enlisted into the U.S. Army where he completed one tour of duty in the Korean War. He returned to Knoxville and went on to attend Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State (Tennessee A&I State) in Nashville, Tennessee earning a Bachelors of Science Degree in Political Science. While attending Tennessee A&I State, he met his wife, Johnnie Dyer. They entered into Holy Matrimony on July 17, 1962. Not long after receiving the call to the ministry, he went on to earn a Master’s of Science Degree in Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary; Salisbury, North Carolina. His ministry began at Oak Grove A.M.E. Zion Church in Knoxville, Tennessee and concluded with Rust Memorial United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois; 50 years of ministry before retiring in 2003. Aaron was preceded in death by his parents; Calloway (Calvin) and Daisy R. Johnson; maternal grandmother, Anna G. Jackson; sisters, Hattie M. Walker and Louise J. Sweeney; best friend and devoted brother-in-law, Marcus L. Walker, Sr. He leaves to celebrate a life well lived; wife, Johnnie M. Johnson of 58 years, Chattanooga, Tennessee; daughter, Bernadette Johnson, Nashville, Tennessee; sister, Patricia A. Brown, Atlanta, Georgia; special devoted first cousins, Rogers Jackson, Jr., Nashville, Tennessee; Geraldine Taylor, Knoxville, Tennessee; Dr. Herman E, Jackson Brentwood, Tennessee; Billy Brantley, Omaha, Nebraska; GD Brantley, Knoxville, Tennessee; and Ella Mae Jenkins, Knoxville, Tennessee; in addition to several devoted nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 10 am – 12 noon at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin – Strickland Chapel Funeral service for Reverend Aaron Johnson will be held on 12 noon on Tuesday, November 17 in the funeral home chapel with Elder Joel Walker officiating Interment to follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
We respectfully request that social distancing and all CDC Covid-19 measures be adhered to. Masks will be required. Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com
• November 17, 2020

Cousins,

What a phenomenal home going! I was praying that I could be there to share the life of Buddy with you but my mobility said “no.” So I settled for Facebook. You guys really knew him; his heart desires and his gentle spirit! I know for a fact, Buddy loved you so much. I can remember him talking about you all. I admire the relationship you have with your brothers, sisters and family. We thank Traci for reconnecting our families. The relationship you all have now reminds me of the relationship the four Johnson children and the five Jackson children had growing up together.

THE COUNTRY! I heard it referenced several times at the funeral. We Jackson children loved it, except for Herman, he had no one to play with because everyone had grown up and gone. To this day we refer to it as THE COUNTRY! Such vivid memories! Grandmother Jackson would give us a pail, pan or bowl to pick black berries. I wanted to pick the berries, but my cousins Pat and Buddy smilingly told me, “Snakes like black berries, too.” I tried to pick anyway. Buddy, Pat and Mae would chase me all over the countryside with snakes in the form of grass, sticks, etc. but I still loved THE COUNTRY. Today I am still afraid of snakes, and I still love the country. When my brother Herman comes to Knoxville, Stanley takes us riding just to reflect on THE COUNTRY.

In the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, there was not a Thanksgiving that we did not eat together in the “country.” Grandmother Jackson, Aunt Daisy, etc. always had the most delicious food you could ever taste. Pat loved my mother’s home made chocolate cake. My mother never failed to make her one for her August 8th birthday. I once told my cousin Pat, “I finally learned how to make the great potato salad that Aunt Hattie made. She said, “You never ate Aunt Hattie’s potato salad because she can't cook, Mother made that potato salad.” Anyway, I thanked her and I can make Aunt Daisy’s potato salad today and without a recipe. I have taught Lisa how to make it. Traci is about to master it. This proves that children learn so much from family members. That’s why we must always model GODLY behavior and maintain constant family functions.

Would you believe Marcus, Buddy, Pat and I were all in Austin High School class of 1954? After graduation, Buddy Pat and I headed for Tennessee State University. We usually rode on the back of the Greyhound bus to and from Tennessee State. Sometimes our parents would drive us. Buddy met Johnnie there. They courted and eventually married. In 1958, we all graduated and went different directions to pursue our careers. Buddy to Chicago, where he and my brother Roger reconnected. I went to Kansas City to start my teaching career. Pat had already secured a good job here in Knoxville. Marcus went looking for a wife to marry. He found Mae and the rest of the story gives us this rich family history.

Margretta (Gret) and Louise had already married and started their families. Marion was still in high school and about to start studying at Tennessee State University and of course Herman was to eventually get one degree from Tennessee State and a master’s and a doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee. GOD has blessed us all. Thanks to Grandmother Jackson who was the foundation.

Buddy was always serious about everything. However, when he did say something to shake your funny bone, it was funny and remained with you forever. He had me “talking to” a classmate on his behalf while we were in high school. She even went to Tennessee State with us. GOD said, “No, Buddy, wait for Johnnie.” Buddy and Johnnie met at Tennessee State University, eventually married and were so happy together. Then they completed their family with sweet Bernadette!

Buddy was like Grandmother Jackson, always reading, studying and applying GOD’s word. Grandmother Jackson always puzzled me with her wisdom, which would always reflect strong Bible principles. As I grew older, I do understand her wisdom and try to apply it in my daily life.

I was so disappointed when COVID-19 demanded cancelation of the 2020 family reunion. You all were making such great progress. I pray that a JACKSON family reunion becomes a reality before anyone else leaves this earth.

Last thing I need to say is, I am no judge, but all of Mae’s sons have such powerful knowledge of GOD’s word. Even my little fourth grade student, LaKesha, expresses scripture profoundly. I try to interject that same vein of Godly wisdom as I interact with my children and grandchildren. That thread seems to run strongly in all of our families. Let’s not break it.

Please remember that GOD is the Bread of Life. John 6:41. If you happen to get a CRUMB of that bread of life, hang onto it. You will never hunger again. You can feed a family; a generation of families and never hunger again from that one CRUMB! Keep feeding each other the WORD FAMILY. I love you all.



Cousin Geraldine Taylor
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David Walker
To:[contact link]
Cc:Traci Cash,Johnsons,[contact link],[contact link],[contact link]
Wed, Nov 18 at 12:42 PM
Cousin Geraldine what a wonderful letter of reflection...we must make the family reunion a reality....I cried while reading your letter...I felt your heart cuzz and my soul has been warmed ....

Love ya

Dave

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18

Family Members
Parents

Daisy Ruth Jackson Armstrong
1916–1984

Siblings

Hattie Mae Johnson Walker
1936–2009