Elder Willie Lee Johnson, Sr., 77

October 15, 1947 – April 6, 2025

Elder Willie Lee Johnson, Sr., 77, transitioned on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his residence, in Ecru, MS.

Elder Willie Lee Johnson, Sr., was born on October 15, 1947, in Tippah County to the late Tom T. Johnson, Sr, and Virgie Lee Clemmer-Johnson. He enjoyed spending time with his family, being outdoors, playing his guitar, and singing “I’ll take Jesus for mine,” “If you live right, Heaven belongs to you,” “He’s the joy of my Life,” “Hell Down Yonder and I don’t want to go there,” “Just another Day, that the Lord, he has kept me,” “Somewhere down the line, you gonna need the Lord.” He was an original member of the Magnolia Jubilees singing group with his siblings. He was united in holy matrimony on March 14, 1966 to Lavoria Cameron Johnson. They were blessed with seven children.

Willie accepted Christ at an early age and united with Saint James C.O.G.I.C in Blue Mountain, MS under the  leadership of  the late Superintendent Bernell Hoyle. At that time, he also accepted a calling in the Ministry to preach the Gospel. He later joined Golden Gate C.O.G.I.C under the late Superintendent Robert Lee Hamilton, Sr. where he served as the Sunday School Superintendent and Friday Night musician. He started as a Minister then later he was ordained in 2016 as an Elder. He also served in the capacity as a Bus Driver, Glorious Gate Evangelist, a church Musician and Altar Worker for over 40 years. In 2022, he later joined Vineyard Outreach Ministries C.O.G.I.C under Superintendent Tony D. Sanford, Sr. where he served faithfully until the Lord called him home. He lived life through his respected scripture, John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.”

Elder Willie Lee Johnson, Sr. is survived by his wife, Lavoria Johnson of Ecru, MS; three sons, Willie Lee Johnson, Jr. of Cordova, TN, David Johnson of Ecru, MS, and Michael Johnson of New Albany, MS; three daughters, Geneva (Supt. Tony) Sanford of New Albany, MS, Debbie (Jerry) Moss of Memphis, TN, and Lacshanda Hatch of Ecru, MS; one sister, Annie Lee Spight of Ripley, MS; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; godchildren, Shuna Judon, Brandon Cole, and Keyllei Young. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom T. Johnson and Virgie Lee Clemmer-Johnson; two brothers, Tom T. Johnson Jr. and Elder Bobby Neal Johnson, Sr.; his sister, Eveleana Johnson-Wilson; one daughter, Joyce Johnson-Perkins;  and his grandson, Jeremiah Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 722 Coulter Drive, New Albany, MS  38652.

Body will lie in state 1 hour before service.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, at St. James Temple Church of God in Christ, 719 Ashland Road, Ripley, MS  38663.

Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of New Albany, MS

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.