Wilbert Johnson

He attended public schools in Houston and graduated from E.E. Worthing High School. After high school graduation, Wilbert went to Marshall, Texas to attend Wiley College where he had received a scholarship as a result of his success and talent as a basketball player in high school. Wilbert excelled as a basketball player and earned many awards and trophies because of his athletic ability.

While excelling in college at basketball, Wilbert also kept in mind his goal to prepare himself for future career opportunities. So, he chose elementary education as his major because he wanted to help mold the minds of children. He followed the plan given to him, passed the courses he had to take and graduated from Wiley College with many basketball successes as well as credentials for being hired as an educator. And what a career was in store for him! Among Wilbert’s fondest college activities was becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He developed a deep and genuine love for Wiley and was a lifelong member of the Houston Area Wiley Alumni Club. He remained a loyal and faithful supporter until his death.

Wilbert married Melba Williams on December 24, 1965. They made Houston their home. Later, they became parents to one loving and wonderful son, Wilbert Elijah Johnson, Jr. They celebrated 56 years of marriage on Christmas Eve, 2021.

Wilbert was hired as a teacher in the Aldine Independent School District at Drew Jr. High School. He moved through the district as a teacher, elementary school principal, high school principal and finally as an area superintendent. He retired in 2006 from Aldine Independent School District after 41 years. But he was still not done. He started working with a program that assisted student teachers in seeking and securing employment. After a while, he finally claimed full retirement status.

At an early age, Wilbert was baptized at Hill Zion Baptist Church. He later joined Greenspoint and Fontaine Baptist Churches. He and his family joined Fallbrook Church and remain as members to this day. Wilbert often talked about how his mother was a doorkeeper and how she inspired him with her service as an usher. So, upon joining other churches, he promptly inquired about when ushers would meet, attended the meeting and became an usher. Wilbert served as a Fallbrook usher until his health failed.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Marie Adams and Letha Ann Johnson Vurns. He is survived by his wife, Melba; son, Wilbert, Jr.; his sister, Minister Clara Funches; his brother Clabron, Jr. (Emma) and a host of relatives and friends.

Wilbert loved the Lord!

A visitation for Wilbert will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Rd, Houston, TX 77014. A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 12512 Walters Rd., Houston, TX 77014. A committal service will occur Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088.