Deacon Clarence Johnson, the son of the late Sula Williams and Rush Johnson, was born on October 2, 1929 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He departed this earth on Monday, July 3, 2017.  Deacon Johnson was educated in the Orangeburg public school system and later moved to Columbia, South Carolina, after losing his mother at a very early age. His friends and family from his youth affectionately called him “Mutt” because of his chunky cheeks.

Deacon Johnson gave his life to Christ at an early age and was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cope, South Carolina. After completing his formal education, he desired to do more and enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Medic Specialist (Licensed Practical Nurse). This commitment took him all over the world to experience different cultures and life in the military. Deacon Johnson had an illustrious military career that spanned more than 25 years.  He faithfully served in the Korean War and did two tours in Vietnam. Deacon Johnson was awarded numerous commendations for his military service to include: the Combat Medic Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, four Overseas Service Bars, four Good Conduct Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Ribbon, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars. He retired honorably as a Sergeant First Class in 1977.

During his early military career, Deacon Johnson was blessed to marry the love of his life, R. Lou Gilbert of Dorchester, South Carolina. They were married for 48 beautiful years until she preceded him in death on November 10, 2006. To their union, two children were born: Kenneth L. Johnson and Cyvonne M. Johnson. Deacon Johnson faithfully served his family and loved going on outings to visit friends and family.  He could often be found sowing seeds into young people’s lives with stories and examples of life experiences. He was known to his family and relatives as “Jerry”, a nickname given to him by his wife.

After retiring from the military, Deacon Johnson continued his profession in the healthcare industry as a Mental Health Specialist for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health from where he was blessed to retire for a second time.  After retirement, he spent his time serving others and honing his craft in gardening, which became his favorite hobby. 

Deacon Johnson had a servant’s heart and he faithfully served God for many years at Rice Chapel Outreach Ministries in Columbia, South Carolina. He was currently a member of Second Chance Universal Church in Columbia, where he faithfully served as a Deacon until his death. 

Deacon Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife and his siblings: Leroy, Ernest, George, Maggie and Susie. He leaves to cherish fond memories of him: one loving daughter of the home, Cyvonne M. Johnson, and one son, Kenneth L. Johnson of New Albany, Indiana; one daughter-in-law, Sirdearis Scott of Columbia, South Carolina; one stepsister, Myrtle Stevenson of Barnwell, South Carolina; one aunt, Julia Kate Glenn of Dorchester, South Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Clara Quzack and Christine (Wallace) Tribble, both of Columbia, South Carolina; and a host of other loving relatives, cousins and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.