Willie James Johnson

Mr. Willie James Johnson went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 74 years of age. He was born on February 19, 1950, in Union Springs, Alabama to the late Emma L. McFadden and Willie Morris. 

Willie was raised by his maternal grandmother, Idella Johnson, in Union Springs. He moved to Saginaw in 1975 and was hired at Eaton Manufacturing briefly before becoming employed by Grey Iron Foundry. In 1984 he transferred to Truck and Bus Assembly in Flint, Michigan. Willie retired in March of 1993 and was a member of the UAW Local 598.

 Willie accepted Christ into his life at a young age. He was a member of the Male Chorus at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Roy L. Manning, Sr. 

Willie James was affectionately known as “Pap.” He was a gentle giant with a big heart. His smile was infectious and his kindness towards others was undeniable. One of “Pap’s” favorite pastimes was fishing, watching the Westerns, and sitting under the shade tree. He had a huge interest in cars and spending quality time with family.  

Mr. Willie James Johnson will forever be missed by, his devoted wife and caretaker, Regina Smith-Johnson, three sons, Fredolando Johnson, Montgomery, AL, Brian Johnson, Grand Rapids, MI and Reginald Smith, Saginaw, MI; three daughters, Audrey (Alfonza) Menefee, Tuskegee, AL, Kenisha Price and Sonda Johnson-Childress both of Saginaw, MI; three brothers, Derrick (Janice) Pearson of Boston, MA, James “Ray” (Felita) Pearson, and Luther Pearson Jr. of Saginaw, MI; father, Willie Morris; three aunts, Annie Johnson, Brooklyn, NY, Linda Johnson, Montgomery, AL and Idella “Ida” Johnson of Columbus, GA; one uncle, Wille Frank Johnson of Saginaw, MI; eighteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones, extended family and special friends.

 Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Emma L. McFadden; grandmother, Idella Johnson; brother, Leonard Mahoney; Aunts, Velma Roach, Tommie Burden, Willie Seal Johnson, and Lula Adams; uncles, Albert, Henry, Bob, Bobby, and Richard Johnson, son-in-law, Jacques D. Price, Sr., and grandson, Jacques D. Price, Jr.

 Special thanks to the Fresenius Kidney Care of Saginaw staff, Pastor Roy L. Manning Sr. and CMBC Church family, Ivan Phillips and Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.