*Memphis, Tennessee – With heavy hearts, the family of Carl E. Johnson, Sr. announces his transition from labor to reward on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. He was 88. Surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years, Christine Currin Johnson, devoted son Carl Everett Johnson, Jr., and doting daughter Cerise Johns, though saddened by their loss, they humbly submit to the sovereign will of God.
Born in Memphis on October 2, 1935, and educated at Florida Elementary, Booker T. Washington High School, and LeMoyne-Owen College, Johnson earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He received his Master’s in Education from Memphis State University with additional studies at Brooking Institute in Washington, D. C., and the U. S. 4th Army Medical Laboratory.
Carl attained his teaching certification from the State of Tennessee in General Science, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. These skills were applied at Carver High School and Southwestern College of Memphis (now Rhodes College). From 1979 to 1991, he held the position of Instructional Developer and Director of Government Relations at Shelby State Community College (now Southwest Community College).
As an entrepreneur, Mr. Johnson was the owner of the Walnut Service Center Construction Group and consulted in the areas of education, housing, and government relations.
Mr. Johnson held prestigious memberships and leadership positions on the NAACP Board of Directors, Smithsonian Institute, Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, National School Board Association, Southern Region Minority Council, Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of University Professors, the American Biology Association, Memphis Urban League and the Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association among many others.
With unparalleled contributions as a Tennessee educator, Johnson is recognized by the National School Board Association as the longest-elected school board official in the country. He was elected in 1972, to the Memphis City School Board and served with great dedication and distinction for 35 years. During this time he was elected by fellow board members numerous times to serve as president. Carl Johnson, Sr. was also a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Landmarks Commissioner and a member of the Memphis Heritage Foundation. Johnson, Sr. was a member and deacon of Metropolitan Baptist Church as well as a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Mr. Johnson, Sr.’s life was girded by faith. He was committed to family, education, progress, equality, and advocacy. He led a charismatic and fervent charge to represent the best of humanity and to cultivate it in all whom he encountered. Tennessee has lost a noble statesman with the passing of Carl Everett Johnson, Sr.
Services for Mr. Johnson will be Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, located at 767 Walker Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38126. Visitation is from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Alpha Phi Alpha will observe their Omega Ceremony from 12:00 to 12:15 pm with funeral services commencing at 12:30 pm.
The Johnson family extends an invitation to government officials, the press, friends, family, and the community to share proclamations, tributes, or expressions. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Much gratitude for all the love and support that has been extended to the family during this difficult time.
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