BENTON – Clarence Isaac “C.I.” Johnson, Jr, 89, of Benton, Louisiana went to be with the Lord on May 12, 2015. Brother Johnson was called home after a brief illness.
Clarence Isaac Johnson, Jr. was born on February 19th, 1926 in Caddo Parish, Louisiana (or as he often said he was born “in Agers, Louisiana neath an ole cottonwood tree”) to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Johnson, Sr. He spent his childhood fishing the bayous of the north Shreveport area, walking to Hamilton Terrace school for his education, and working at Brewster Company.
He met the “prettiest woman to ever walk the earth”, Margaret Oneil Kilpatrick, and determined to marry her. She became Mrs. C.I. Johnson, Jr on November 8th, 1951 and has lovingly stood by his side for the past 63 years. They built a life together, raising four children, running a successful construction business, and making many friends and acquaintances.
In 1968, Mr. Johnson was called of God into the ministry. Brother Johnson faithfully preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ for 47 years. The small church he pastored, Ye Olde Faith Baptist Church, has served as a place of truth and refuge, teaching salvation through Jesus Christ alone. His most cherished and oft used verse, John 3:16, served as the backbone of his ministry.
Brother Johnson is survived by his treasured wife, Margaret Oneil Kilpatrick Johnson, son Roger Lynn Johnson, and wife Cheryl, daughter Kathy Warner-Greer and husband Bob, and daughter Kristen Reinart and husband Brad; His adoring grandchildren John, Carrie, Randy, Lauren, Nicholas, Miles and Jackson. Brother Johnson was proud to have 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Burl Johnson and wife Margaret. He leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, innumerable friends, his devoted congregation and his lifelong friend Herman Yeates.
Brother Johnson dearly missed and looked forward to seeing his mother and father in Heaven. He has been reunited in Heaven with these and a host of friends, loved ones and Christian brothers and sisters he loved throughout his years.
Services for Brother Johnson will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday. Interment will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery.
For their care and dedication through the years and especially the recent weeks, the family would like to thank: Dr. Philip Garvaglia and his staff, the staff of Fresenius Dialysis Center at Buckner Square, the caregivers at Promise Hospital in Bossier and Willis-Knighton Step-Down Unit, and Dr. Bruce Brouillette and his team. Special thanks and love to Nurse Amy Posten and the wonderful therapists from Amedysis.
Brother Johnson’s family is touched by the steadfastness of his congregation and the prayers from sister churches. Although he will be missed, his ministry and life’s work will continue and will be an influence for years to come.