- Date Of Birth: September 26, 1944
- Date Of Death: February 23, 2021
- State: Alabama
Charles E. Johnson
Deacon Charles E. Johnson, affectionately known as “Butch,” “Papa,” “Bruh-in-law,” “Daddy,” Mr. Johnson and “Bae,” departed this earthly life for eternal rest Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, encircled by his devoted family.
The youngest of 16 children, Charles was born Sept. 26, 1944 in Birmingham to the loving union of the late Annie D. Peoples Johnson and Willie O. Johnson. Charles accepted Christ at an early age being baptized into the Catholic faith. As he migrated around the southeastern region of the United States, he later converted to the Baptist doctrine. A very active and devoted member of the Pine Chapel Baptist Church No. 2, he was dedicated as a deacon and minister of music, serving unwaveringly until his passing. In April of 1983, he married the love of his life, Yvonne Beckham Johnson. The love that Charles and Yvonne shared was second to none and was demonstrated through the ministry of caring for the sick, love for family, the ministering of music, volunteering and giving unselfishly.
Charles’ formal educational journey began at Holy Family Catholic High School in Birmingham. He furthered his education at Xavier University in New Orleans, La. With the opportunity to continue his education, he chose to channel his endeavors to Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
His early career path took him to Brown and Root Construction Company in Birmingham. Aspiring to seek better employment opportunities he joined the BE&K Construction and Engineering Company as an accountant/office manager. This position afforded him the opportunity to travel and expand his skill set in the accounting field.
Charles was a God-fearing man who exhibited great character and integrity, often saying, “Love is what love does” and “to whom much is given, much is required.” He loved people and giving to those in need.
At an early age, Charles asked God to give him a musical gift to play the piano. He promised God if he received this anointing, he would play skillfully for Him only for the rest of his life. As a teenager, while in college and throughout his adult life he led choirs, musical workshops, mentored and taught music to many. He did not waiver in his commitment in lifting up the name of Jesus. In the year of 1977, God blessed Pine Chapel Baptist Church No. 2 to be the recipient of this wonderfully, talented man.
Throughout the community Charles served in many capacities, Project Blueprint of Mobile, March of Dimes, volunteering at Mitchell Cancer Center and the Walk-for-Cancer. His membership affiliations included Masonic Utopia Lodge No. 251 Free and Accepted Masonry 32nd degree, Worthy Patron of Bertha Mae Chapter No. 314 Order of Eastern Star, Shriners of Alabama and his beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Beta Omicron Lambda Chapter.
Preceding him in death were his parents; four siblings at birth; seven brothers, Eugene, Henry, John, Willie, Acie Lee, Ivory and Jessie (Jack); and two sisters, Minnie Lee and Eula.
Left to hold dear his loving memory is his wife of 38 years, Yvonne Beckham Johnson; daughter, Charlene Denise Johnson of Dublin, Ga.; two sons, Christopher Charles Johnson of Atlanta, Ga., and Christian Edward (LaShavon) Johnson of Woodbridge, Va.; three grandchildren, Christina Olivia Johnson and Christian Edward Johnson Jr., both of Woodbridge, Va., and Jade LaRael Brown of Richmond, Va.; nurtured as their own, two children, Nicole Seals (her children, Jaykeelan, Jukeeluh and Kevin Jr.) of Mobile and Timothy (LaQuesha) Seals (his children, Quintavious, Kichaum and Kyasjah); other children holding a special place in his heart, Timothy (Erika) and Khadijiha Abston; godchildren, Portland Whisenhunt, Jalan, Salihah and Destin Daffin; two loving siblings, sister, Elizabeth Johnson (Bennie) Gooden of Pomona, Calif., and brother, Jimmy Johnson of Las Vegas, Nev.; sister/ cousin, Estella Tubbs of Sharon, Pa.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Doris (George) DuBose and Martha Beckham of Toddtown, Gary (Cursandra) Beckham of Jackson and Kenneth (Mary) Beckham of Toddtown; with a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and one special great-nephew, Maurice DuBose Jr.
