Thomas Lee Johnson Sr.

Thomas Lee Johnson, Sr. was born in Los Angeles California on December 3, 1941, to Leela Johnson (née Turner) and Julius Johnson. He was the oldest of two sons. He completed his early education at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). In high school, he was a member of the track and field team. He was a sprinter who competed in events including the 100m, 220m and the 4x100m relay. He also served as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he traveled the world, cultivated his strong work ethic and developed his dedication for helping others.

On April 22,1967, he married Patrica Ann Johnson (née Huff). Their 24-year union produced three children Kimberly (Kim), Thomas (Tweedy), and Amber.

In 1964, he began his career as a journeyman painter at Los Angeles Unified School District. After 35 years of employment with LAUSD, he retired as an Area Paint Supervisor. In that capacity, he oversaw an entity of Maintenance and Operations. During his career he served in many supervisory roles, including Painting Inspector and Senior Painter. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the LAUSD Painters Apprenticeship Program. He was also an active member of his local union ensuring that all workers received fair treatment, appropriate compensation and adequate equipment while employed with LAUSD. In 1981, he obtained his General Contractor’s License and established the Thomas L. Johnson Painting Business where he trained and mentored many professional painters including his son Tweedy and stepson in law, Artist Orange, close family and friends.

Later in his life he met and married Shirley Mae McDade and together their union resulted in a blended family of 6 children to now include Shirley’s three children, Maisha, Michael and Crystal. During this time, he began studying the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized on May 3, 1998. Over the years he faithfully served his congregation and served in many capacities including as an Elder. One of his most cherished memories was his trip to Brooklyn Bethel: Jehovah’s Witnesses Headquarters in New York.

Throughout his life Thomas thoroughly enjoyed working, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He loved hosting BBQ’s where he cooked, baked, played dominoes and played his favorite music. He also loved to travel to Wynnewood, Oklahoma each year to his Family Reunion. In 1984, he designed the very first Johnson Family Reunion T-Shirt detailing the offspring of his grandparents Cyrus and Catherine Johnson. This was the start of tradition that lives on to this day.

He was proud of his Los Angeles roots and upbringing. He thoroughly enjoyed hosting family and friends from out of town. He made sure everyone who visited took a trip to a major attraction like Disneyland, the Beach and had good local food before they returned home. He was an avid Los Angeles Football fan. His favorite team from childhood was the Los Angeles Rams. In 2016, he was excited for their return to Los Angeles and hoped to attend a game at the Sofi Stadium.

He cherished his many close relationships, especially his special bond with his son Thomas. They had two standing phone calls every day during which they chatted about current events and watched the Family Feud TV game show.

He is preceded in death by his father, Julius, mother, Leela, brother, Julius, and his wife, Shirley and stepdaughter, Maisha (nee Parks). He is survived by his three children Kim (Jim Bair), Tweedy and Amber (Oscar Edwards); two stepchildren Michael Parks and Crystal Orange (nee Hassell) (Artist Orange); and a host of grandchildren, step-grandchildren, foster children, family, friends and spiritual brothers and sisters.

"Lazarus has died Jesus is going to Resurrect him back to life!" - John 11:21-26