Johnny Lee Yarbrough (Irondale, Al)

MR. JOHNNY LEE YAEBROUGH passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022, at his residence in Irondale, Alabama. Age 83 years. He was born in Ragland, Alabama, on October 26, 1938, to the late Samuel S. Yarbrough, Sr. and Mamie Yarbrough.

At an early age, he became a member of Kite’s Chapel African Methodist Church in Ragland, Alabama. Johnny graduated from Pell City High School. He answered his country’s call to serve in the United State Army for three years, and he eventually received an honorable discharge. Upon his discharge, he moved to Lansing, Michigan, and worked for General Motors. He later worked at the Michigan Department of Corrections for twenty-seven years until his retirement.

In 1970, he met and married the love of his life, Lunora Bowen. Together, they continued to raise their three sons and one daughter in Lansing, Michigan. Johnny and Lunora moved to Irondale, Alabama, after he retired from the Michigan Department of Correction. After relocating to Irondale, Johnny worked for several security companies as Captain of Security for fifteen years where he received several recognitions for outstanding performance. Johnny and Lunora joined Saint James United Methodist Church in Irondale, Alabama, where he served as the Usher Board President, on the Trustee Board, and on other various committees. They later joined Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama. He served on the Trustee Board and was a member of the Male Chorus. They remained faithful members there until his death.

Mr. Johnny Lee Yarbrough leaves to cherish his precious memories, his lovely wife, Lunora; sons, Thomas of Hanford, California, John of Lansing, Michigan, and Joseph (Sheila) of Marietta, Georgia; special grandsons, Lamar of Lansing, Michigan, and Joseph of Benton Harbor, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Carol Yarbrough of Anniston, Alabama, and Earline Yarbrough of Lansing, Michigan; brother-in-law, James (Celeste) Allen of Atlanta, Georgia; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special niece, Tonia Washington; many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marie; parents; sisters, Mable, Emma, and Vivian; and brothers, Lenwood, William James, Samuel, Jr., and Melvin.