Robert began his life as the sixth child of Rufus and Ola Lee (Utsey) Johnson on March 17, 1943 inOgemaw, AR. The family later moved to McKamie, AR where Robert was baptized at an early age.The family moved to Lewisville, AR ; Robert completed his high school education at Foster High Schoolplaying for their football team the "Pirates" . Later he moved to Flint, Michigan and was employed byGeneral Motors. During his time in Flint, he welcomed three children into the world .While in Flint, Michigan Robert met Elder J Malcom Phipps and embraced the Seventh –day Sabbathand united with the Seventh -day Adventist Church. He returned to Lewisville, AR with two youngchildren in the early 70s and attended the Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texarkana, TX. Heserved as choir member and local elder. Robert met and married Avice Marie Wright on December23, 1972 at the Bethel SDA Church. They moved to Keene, TX. Ultimately, four children were born to thisunion. Robert enrolled in the Theology/Religion Program at Southwestern Adventist College, receivinghis Bachelors of Arts degree in Religion. Upon graduation he was d accepted as a Lay Minister for theSouthwest Region Conference of Seventh –day Adventist. He served as a lay minister in Hillsboro, TX,Ardmore, OK & Marshall, TX. While in Marshall TX, Robert joined a gospel Quartet called the MorningStarlights. They sang extensively in the local community and on local TV stations. His tenure withSouthwest Region Conference ended with the dissolution of his marriage in November 1984.
Robert remained in Marshall, TX and worked as an insurance salesman for "National Life". He met BarbaraJarrett of Jefferson, TX; subsequently, they married on December 18, 1985. To this union a daughter wasborn. The family relocated to Houston, TX and attended the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Robertheld several jobs while in Houston; including, the following: Ft Bend ISD, Bush Intercontinental Airportand Houston Metro Transit until he became disabled. As his health continued to decline his two sisters(Mattie Guillory & Ola Harris) took turns tending him in their homes. Robert attended church with hissisters. Robert's youngest sister, Ola Harris lovingly and faithfully tended to him after he was admittedto St Dominic Village Nursing Center . Local Clergy would routinely visit with Robert during his stay atSt Dominic Village, praying with him and administering "Communion" to him at his bedside.Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Barnel Johnson.Survivors include:Siblings: Juanita Meadows, Denver, CO; Roosevelt Johnson, Lewisville, AR; Mattie Guillory (James),Houston, TX; Elder J B Johnson (Bettie) , Flint, MI; Bernice Huntley (Rufus), Flint, MI; Emma J Johnson, Flint,MI; Ola J Harris, Houston,TX; Raymond Johnson, Flint, MI; Rev. Howard Johnson (Jewell), Flint, MI.Children: Traci Moore, Houston, TX; Karla Holiday, Flint, MI; Roderick D Johnson (Annette), Lake Elsinor,CA; Teresa N Johnson-Jenkins (Jabab) Burleson, TX; Rodriguez D Johnson (Trashonda), Madison, AL;Robert B Johnson (Maranatha), Madison, AL; Jerahmeel J Johnson (Abria), Huntsville, AL; Carrie OlaMiles, Longview, TX.Grandchildren: Crystal Johnson, Christopher Johnson, & Christian Johnson; Lake Elsinor, CADuane Johnson, & Nicole Johnson; Madison, ALJahmai Johnson; Huntsville, AL A Host of Nieces and Nephews, other relatives and friends.