Chester Fields Johnson

Chester Fields Johnson affectionately know as “Papa” or “Chet”, was born on December 18, 1934, in Lorain, Ohio, to the late Nathan and Minnie Johnson. The first of five siblings, Chet’s siblings include Shirley Washington and the late Nathan Johnson, Wayne Johnson, and Carol Johnson.

Chet graduated from Lorain High School in 1953. He went on to graduate from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, in 1957, with a degree in Finance, and began his military career with the United States Army beginning with ROTC at Central State.

Chet met Nina M. Murray at Central State University in 1954, and they later eloped on November 9, 1957, which was the beginnings of an unbreakable bond and long adventurous journey together. They went on to have three beautiful daughters together, the late Deborah Beckles Screen (Phillip Screen), Judith J. LaReau (Kevin LaReau), and Pamela Johnson Lanham (Adrian Lanham). However, nothing made him more happy than spending time with his five grandchildren; Brandon LaReau, PhD. (31), Jessica LaReau (29), Andre Screen (22), Maxwell Lanham (19), and Miles Lanham (18).

Chet enjoyed a 27 year career with the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Colonel, which enabled him and his family to move and live outside of the United States in Okinawa, Japan, and Nuremberg and Zweibrucken, Germany. While in the Army Chet worked in various Finance and Comptroller positions until he retired in 1980. After retiring from the United States Army Chet went on to work for Amtrak for approximately 15 years.

Chet’s hobbies were his family, especially watching his grandchildren in sporting and theatrical events, the occasional golf game, and being extremely involved in his beloved Fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.

Life ended peacefully on January 2, 2024. Chet leaves us with wonderful memories of him as a devoted husband, loving brother, caring father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, and a faithful Christian. Chet also has an extensive list of extended family, and a host of close friends and fraternity brothers that loved him dearly and meant the world to him.

Chet will be deeply missed by a host of family and friends, which includes his beloved fraternity the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Family will receive friends January 25, 2024, at noon until the time of service at 12:30 pm at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7836 Fordson Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22306. Live Stream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/8Hjok3-5188?si=AZaTyVExxBNg6NNm

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Ira Dorsey Scholarship Endowment Fund Inc. P.O. Box 1518, Lorton, Virginia 22199. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. www.demainefunerals.com