Elder Joe A Johnson

Obituary For Elder Joe Arthur Johnson, Sr

Joe Arthur Johnson, Sr. was born on May 8, 1943, to the union of Arthur and Relusta Johnson in Brooksville, Florida. He was the third of four children. Joe received his early education in the public schools of Brooksville and was a proud graduate of Moton High School, Class of 1961.

Following graduation, Joe began his college journey at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A&M University). His academic pursuits were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to serve during the Vietnam War. Joe served his country honorably and was later honorably discharged from military service.

Upon returning home to Brooksville, Joe sought employment and soon met Gloria Jean Chester, who later became his beloved wife. From this union, Joe was blessed with four children: three daughters—Sonja Johnson-Stiles, Relusta Bowman, and Andrea Johnson—and one son, Joe Johnson, Jr.

In 1966, Joe relocated to New Jersey to secure better employment opportunities for his family. There, he worked faithfully for American Standard and Sunshine Biscuits. Joe and Gloria built a full and happy life together in New Jersey, where Joe was known as a devoted father, loyal friend, and dependable provider.

Joe was an avid athlete, a passionate softball player and fisherman. A competitor at heart, he loved sports (49ers Fan) and a good game of spades.  He enjoyed the camaraderie, and the joy of friendly competition. Above all, Joe loved to laugh and truly enjoyed life.

Joe was the product of a praying mother, and that foundation bore fruit. In 1986, Joe gave his life to Christ and never looked back. In 1988, he returned to Brooksville and began a new career with the Hernando County School District. Around this time, he also became an active member of Citadel of Life Cathedral (formerly New Birth Gospel Tabernacle). There, he served faithfully as a deacon and, because of his unwavering commitment to the Lord, his pastors, John and Tammy Langley and the church, he was ordained as an Elder in 2002. Elder Joe served faithfully until an injury and health challenges prevented him from continuing in active service.

Joe had a deep love for spreading the Gospel. He boldly shared the Word of God with strangers and friends alike, confident in his faith and his divine assignment. He was unapologetic about his commitment to Christ.

Throughout Brooksville, Joe was affectionately known as the “Freezer-Cup Man of Twigg Street,” proudly following in the footsteps of his mother, Ms. Relusta Johnson. Joe took the tradition to another level and offered freezer cups, pickles, hot sausage, pickled eggs, sodas, chips, candy and honey buns. He was a pillar on Twigg Street, just as his mother had been before him, and was deeply respected and loved throughout the Brooksville community.

On the morning of December 28, 2025, Elder Joe Arthur Johnson completed his earthly journey and peacefully slipped from our grasp into the Arms of the Lord. God summoned home a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Relusta Johnson; his sisters, Estelle Johnson and Alice Johnson Stephens; his brother, Daniel Johnson; his forever wife, Gloria Jean Johnson; and his grandson, DeShaun Johnson.

He leaves to cherish and celebrate his life three daughters: Sonja Johnson-Stiles of St. Louis, Missouri; Relusta Bowman (Nathan) of Indianapolis, IN; and Andrea Johnson of Citrus Springs, FL; one son, Joe Johnson, Jr. (Sherri) of Spring Hill, FL; one forever sister-in-love, Shirley Johnson Aiken of Okeechobee, FL; forever brother-in-love Bishop Larry Chester of Orlando, FL; Elder Leonard Chester (Kim) of Inverness, FL; Lonnie Chester, Jr of Citrus Springs, FL; and Richard Chester of Inverness, FL; nephew Rontell Johnson (Lisa) of Tampa, FL; devoted Pastor and niece, Pastor Tammy Langley (John); grandchildren Kyana Johnson of Brooksville, FL; CeDre Johnson of Ocala, FL; Romesha Rodriguez of Indianapolis, IN; Aniyah Stiles, Lozell Stiles III, and Mi’Kiyah Stiles, all of St. Louis, MO; Jerimiah Dunn, Samara Moody and Chris Moody all of Citrus Springs, FL; Demarcus Newberry, DeMya Johnson, and DeMani Johnson of Spring Hill, FL; great-grandchildren Joriyah Johnson of Inverness, FL; Skyy Lynch of Indianapolis, IN; Azai Thomas of St. Louis, MO; Harlem Johnson and CeDre Johnson Jr. of Inverness, FL; extended Brooksville family, Williams (Ike & Mary) and Perkins family; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Flowers cards and Condolences will be received on Friday January 9th at the Funeral home from 9 am to 2pm.

Visitation/Wake on Friday January 9th from 5pm to 7pm at The Eastside House of God Brooksville. (Right across the street from the family home)

Celebration of Life- Saturday January 10th at 11am at Citadel of Life Cathedral, 225 North Seminole Avenue Inverness Fl ( There will be a one hour viewing from 10am to 11am)

Final Resting Place- Pine Hill Cemetery 

Professional Services Entrusted to J.T.Campbell Funeral Home and Cremation Services Macedonia Chapel. 

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