Jessie “Leonard” Johnson, 75, was born January 24, 1941 in Adamson, OK to Odessa (Bomar) and George Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, and brother, Carl Johnson.
Leonard was a lifelong resident in Ada, OK and departed this life on Monday, June 27, 2016 at Cornerstone Hospital in Muskogee, OK. He attended L’Ouverture and Napier Elementary Schools and graduated from Byng High School. At an early age he accepted Christ and was a devoted member of Reaper Baptist Church. As a teenager, Leonard worked as a shoeshiner at the Aldridge Hotel in Ada, OK. He also worked at JD’s Café for 40 years learning all of the “ins and outs” until he retired from there in 2006.
He loved being around family and friends and enjoyed taking pictures when family members visited. He was very quiet but loved sitting around and listening to everyone chit chat. Leonard was crazy about cars! As soon as he would finish paying off one car, he would trade in for another one. He resided at the family home the majority of his life, with his brother Carl, and then moved to their first apartment in 2010. He later resided at the Ballard Nursing Home before being transferred to Cornerstone Hospital. It was there, that the Lord called him home.
Leonard’s memories will be cherished by his sister, Deloris (Terry) Paige, Kansas City, MO; brothers Howard Leon Johnson (Willie Mae), San Antonio, TX, Ernest Johnson, McAlester, OK; aunts, Mary Factory, McAlester, OK, Christine Keith, McAlester, OK; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would’ve told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
