Carl Edward Johns Sr.

Carl Edward White Johns, Sr., age 58 of Spring Lake, Michigan transcended on June 21, 2023, after a long illness with Lymphoma (cancer) at the Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson, Michigan. He was born to Saundra Thompson White Johns and Carl Edward White in Lawrence, Kansas. At age ten (10) Carl requested of his stepfather, Harold Johns for him to legally adopt him and change his name to Johns like his brothers. The family moved to Muskegon in 1968, where he attended Muskegon Community College where he majored in English and History. While in school he participated in band, baseball and football, but he really excelled in basketball. He really loved hooping and would go around the city, even at a young age, looking for good games to challenge. Other hobbies were bike riding, drawing, swimming, listening to music (The SOS Band was his favorite), Boy Scouts, along with reading encyclopedias from cover to cover. In regards to baseball, he was scouted by the Detroit Tigers and was sent a letter to show up for tryouts but he missed the date. During middle school, he started the neighborhood National Submarine Headache band. Believe me, it was just that. Carl considered himself a lifelong member of Greater Harvest Baptist Church and joined under Reverend Clayborn Casey where he was an avid bible reader, participated in Sunday school, was a junior usher and choir during his youth. As a young adult, he participated in Brotherhood. He enlisted with the Marine Corp but soon learned he had a heart problem in boot camp. He returned home and married Kimberly Walker.

During his long stint of incarceration (30 years) in prison, he became a member of the House of Morish Science Temple of America where he studied Islamism under Prophet Drew Al, National Grand Sheik, Dr. Ra Sard El and Grand Governess Issis Sard El. Carl was a highly spiritual person that gave his life over to Allah (God) and helped many younger people get their lives back in order. Carl quickly rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. After finishing his studies of courses and while still incarcerated the prison began to request that he guide and advocate for other youth outside of his religion and to guide men as well. He was well respected by prisoners and guards as well.

Carl is survived by his two children, Carl Johns II and Kalia Shana (Justin) Wallace; his parents Harold (Saundra) Johns, Sr.; his siblings, Harold, Jr., Orlando Sr., step-sister, Tracey Clark of Jefferson City, Missouri; two cousins that are as siblings, Tanny Thompson and Colette Williams; his uncles, Charles Robinson, Paul (Jackie) Thompson, Michael (Amy) Thompson, Charles Branham, Joseph Branham; aunts, Mona Thompson, Vickie Riddick, Mae Smith; ex-father-in-law, Minister Billie Walker; grandchildren, K’Nioriewa, Kha’Marie, Ka’Vyon, K’Nye, La’Hrry, Carl III, Christian, Alayssa, and Jabriel; and his special friends who are his family mates, Bryon Lay, Kenneth Lay, Tony Randel, Deen Ishweed and Darrick Anderson.

A visitation for Carl will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Debo Funeral Home, Fulton, MO. A funeral service will occur Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 12:00 PM, Fulton, MO. A burial will occur at Southside Cemetery, Fulton, MO.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.debo-funeralhome.com for the Johns family.