Joseph Johnson

Obituary

JOSEPH “JOE” JOHNSON, JR

February 16, 1932 – May 24, 2024

Joseph Johnson, Jr affectionately known by family and friends as “Boogg,” and “Joe,” was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 16, 1932, to Joseph Johnson Sr. and Earline Robinson and reared by his maternal grandmother, Mary “May” Jones. Joseph was known for his charisma and his impeccably dressed.

JOE JOHNSON, as the community knew of him, departed this earthly life at the age of  92. He passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, at the Veterans Affairs (V.A.) He was loved and will be profoundly missed by many.

JOE JOHNSON received his formal education in the Orleans Parish School System. He served in the United States Army, during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. After an honorable discharge from the military, Falstaff Beer Company and Lengsfield Brothers Inc. employed him.  Later, he worked as an outside machinist at Avondale Shipyard, playing an instrumental role in the construction of military vessels. 

On June 10, 1965, he married Belva Jane Stewart Johnson, eventually leading to their joyous union. Through their union, they shared two daughters, Annette Stewart and Delonder Johnson, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Known as "Pawpaw" by his grandchildren, he cherished and spoiled them with boundless affection. He played an integral role in their upbringing, creating lasting memories filled with joy and love.

JOE JOHNSON accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was baptized by the late Pastor, Reverend Dr. Freddie H. Dunn, at New Hope Baptist Church. He remained an active member under the leadership of the late Pastor, John C. Raphael Jr., and Pastor Jamaal Weathersby. His dedication to serving Christ was unwavering, and over the next 50 years, he worshipped with various congregations around Louisiana. During this time, he developed friendships with many members of the clergy. He enjoyed reading his Bible and spreading the good news by delivering the “Daily Word” quarterly read to others. His acts of giving were a true testament to his love for Christ.

In June of 1996, after over 30 years of service, Joe retired from Avondale Shipyard with many opportunities ahead. He was instrumental in obtaining over 4,000 signatures to organize the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers Union (AFL-CIO affiliated), Local Lodge 1814, Bridge City, LA. On January 1, 2000, the Charter was established. He worked as a union consultant for 20 years and later served as President, passionately lobbying for Avondale Shipyard employees. One of his most cherished and historical achievements was securing 120 signatures from area ministers supporting “Free Choice” to help advance the Employee Free Choice Act while advocating for Senator Mary Landrieu’s support. Joe’s accomplishments for the Laborers of Avondale received lots of print media coverage. One article read “The connections Joe has made over the years in the religious community have been invaluable in moving area clergy to support labor issues.” Joe worked tirelessly to help elect many local politicians by garnering the support of the AFL-CIO. He remained committed with the union until Hurricane Ida destroyed the Bridge City location, which was subsequently permanently closed. 

JOE JOHNSON leaves to cherish his fond memories: his wife of 58 years, Belva J. Johnson; two daughters, Annette Stewart (Geno) and Delonder Johnson James (Rod); three siblings, Alfred Johnson, Faye J. Johnson, and Patricia A. Johnson; five grandchildren, Brittany, Wayne, and Angelica Stewart, Astra and Jabari Watts, a bonus grandchild, Brennan Hull James; one great-grandchild, Michael J. Ruffin II; two devoted nephews, Wernell Stewart (Linda) and Nicholas Gibson Jr.; two nieces, Ariel Phillips and Yolanda Stewart; two godchildren, Tiffany Cooper and Dominique Tucker; a devoted cousin, Herbert Kennedy; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmom, Alberta S. Johnson; his grandmother, two siblings, Bernadine Coffey Morgan and Lloyd Coffey Sr.; three dearest sisters, Vivian Batiste, Idella Cooper, and Mildred Ganheart; one uncle, Nicholas Gibson Sr.; three nephews, Hugh Ralph and Carl Stewart, and Sean Thompson; his father and mother-in-law, Washington and Alberta Thompson-Stewart; his brother and sister-in-law, Darnell and Flavia Stewart; one son-in-law, Wayne Stewart Sr.; and a host of other close relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family, Third Rose of Sharon Baptist Church,  New Hope Baptist Church and all neighboring churches, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers,  (AFL-CIO affiliated), Local Lodge 1814, Bridge City, LA, Tulane University Medical Group, Morris Bart LLC, Robertson's Vieux Carre' Lounge, Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale and the Sunshine Femmes, are invited to the Funeral Service on Friday, June 7, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church, 1807 Reverend John Raphael Way,  NOLA 70113, at 10:00am. Pastor Jamaal Weathersby, Officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00am. Interment will be at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell LA. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Directors, Inc., 4101 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117.