Charles Johnson (Lansing)

The Lord saw fit to call Charles Johnson from his earthly home to his heavenly reward on Saturday, June 6, 2015. He was born to Charles and Gertrude Johnson on March 13, 1946 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

At an early age Charles relocated with his family from North Carolina to New York City. Charles was educated in the New York City school district graduating from Newburgh High School and furthering his education at Parsons College in Southeastern Iowa.

Charles has always been athletically inclined and had a passion for football, basketball and track which carried over throughout his adult life. He was a dedicated, dutiful, passionate, persistent, disciplined Coach in the greater Lansing area for 24 years. He was the founder of the Southside Panthers Pop-Warner Football Team. Charles helped coach the Girls and Boys Basketball teams under head coach Johnny Jones at Everett High School. Both teams won championship games. He was an assistant coach for the football team at Everett High School.

As Coach Charlie or Coach Johnson, he was able to serve as a mentor, role model, surrogate father, and teacher to those whose path he crossed. He was a kind, loving man who loved children, people, his grandchildren and gospel music.

He was a member of Mask Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where he served as Trustee Board Chairman and the Teddy Pendergrass of the choir for thirty years. He loved to praise God in singing and served the Lord faithfully.

Employment led Charles to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he was a police officer before he began working for the State of Michigan in the Data Processing and Education Department where he retired in 2003.

He leaves to continue his legacy and cherish his memories one son, Jchon (Torri) Johnson; two daughters, Chevante Ledden-Johnson of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Sheila McCray of Chicago, Illinois; step-children, Kara, Tina and Eric Jackson; one sister, Lynn Johnson; nineteen grandchildren; many other relatives and and countless friends including his best friends, James Tolbert and JoAnne Young, his church family and his coaching family.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of you for your prayers, presence, love, telephone calls, telegrams, and all other expressions of concern that you have shown during our time of bereavement. Never more than now was your kindness needed and more appreciated. A very special thanks to Grace Hospice.

Visitation: Thursday, June 11, 2015 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Mask Memorial CME Church

5601 S Waverly Rd

Lansing, MI 48911

517-384-6900

Service: Friday, June 12, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.

New Hope Church of God in Christ

6025 S Waverly Rd

Lansing, MI 48911

517-394-0050

Officiating: Pastor James Martin

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery