Rodney Johnson

On Wednesday, May 6, 2015 one of the Lord's greatest blessings was called home to be with his father. Rodney Vandette Johnson of Baltimore Maryland, born in Saginaw Michigan on June 20, 1972 son of Hattie Robinson and Willie Johnson.
Rodney was a member of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore Maryland. He attended Bridgeport High school and graduated from Saginaw High school. Rodney received his Bachelors degree at Towson University. Affectionately known as Dinky, he was a special, humble person who had a major impact on a lot of people all over the world. Anytime you were around him just know that there was going to be a long conversation and whatever you were going through his conversation made you feel better. He motivated so many people whether it was getting a better relationship with God, education, living more healthier or career goals. Rodney pushed education very much. He always said "what you do today will reflect your future".
Playing basketball was his passion. He would eat your whole house up, but you could never tell he ate as much as he did because his body remained physically fit. He had the loudest smack and chew as he would devour his food. Every time he came home he always wanted a home cooked meal from his mother and sisters. Every time there was a family gathering he would always challenge some of his family members to play him in basketball or see who could run the fastest. Whenever he came in town he would wake up his nephews bright and early and take them on a jog. By the time he brought them home they would fall on the floor in the living room and wouldn't move for the rest of the day. Rodney would begin his day with reading the Bible and running a few miles while listening to his favorite song LL Cool J "I Need Love". He had an unbreakable bound with his daughter. They talked about any and everything. He was definitely her motivation.
His memory will be forever remembered by his two amazing daughters, Moenique Fields of Charlotte North Carolina and Briana Mitchell Johnson of Madison, Wisconsin; his devoted parents, Don and Hattie Tillman; four sisters, Deborah Johnson, Laketa (Dametrice) Brodnex, Tyrhonda Mims, Courtney Johnson and Ladonna(Mike) Simon; four brothers, Tyrone Mims, Walter Lee, Dempsey (Kimberly) Tillman and Don Tillman Jr.; six aunts and five uncles; a host of special nieces and nephews and a million close cousins.
Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his father, Willie Johnson, grandmother, Virgina Lee Robinson, grandmother, Ralph Johnson, one aunt, Olean Allan, one uncle, George Murphy, favorite cousins, Tyrone Roberson and Orlandis Gordon.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Home, Pastor Dr. Byron C. and Minister Chestermae Hayes and the Word of Faith International Ministries family, special friends, Edner Escarne, Evenz Escarne, Vicky Terrell, Mike Thomas, Ester Nicholas, Robert Galvin and Craig Smoot.
Visitation: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Family Hour: Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.
Word of Faith International Ministries
500 North Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-752-1675
Funeral Service: Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Word of Faith International Ministries
500 North Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-752-1675
Officiating: Dr. Byron C. Hayes
Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery