Charles William Johnson

Charles William Johnson was born on Saturday, January 9, 1943, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was the third child and second son born to the union of the late Silas Johnson and Cora Butler Johnson. In 1957, Charles moved from Tallahassee, Florida, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with his Uncle Emmitt. He enlisted in the Army at age 16. Charles served in the military, traveling across the United States and Germany, before being honorably discharged for medical reasons. After returning to Harrisburg, Charles worked as a Postal Worker for a few years before joining the Dauphin County Prison staff until he retired in the summer of 2003. In 1967, Charles was united in Holy Matrimony to Jessie B. Carter. Their union was blessed with a son, Shawn William Johnson. Their marriage was built on love, friendship, devotion, and commitment to each other. Charles began his “Christian Journey” at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church when it was still on Marion Street. He was a member there until he left Harrisburg in March 2020. He attended church with his wife and son, celebrating and worshipping together for many years. Charles was a devoted husband, father, father-in-love, and grandfather. His life was marked by dedication and commitment to his family and love of Christ. He dedicated himself to guiding his family, providing Jessie and Shawn with stability and love. Charles held strong family values that he instilled in Shawn and passed down to his grandsons, Seth and Zachary. He was a hardworking man who always made sure his family's needs were met. He took pride in creating a loving, safe haven for his family. Some of the happiest memories Charles shared with his family and friends were spending time with his beloved wife, Jessie, of 35 years, his son Shawn, daughter-in-love Yolanda, and his grandsons, Seth and Zachary. Before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, with his family, he enjoyed his daily phone calls with Shawn, catching up on his grandsons' activities, and asking about Milo, Seth, and Zach’s dog. He also enjoyed his daily visits to the grocery store, where he always found a good deal, even if it meant shopping at multiple stores before heading home. Although Charles was a Pennsylvania resident for sixty years, he loved his Baltimore Ravens. After Charles moved to Atlanta with his son and family, and although he lost the ability to walk, he never lost the ability to have long conversations with Shawn and connect with his grandsons and Yolanda. He also loved their pet dog, Milo, who eventually became more of Charles’s dog than Seth's or Zach’s. Charles loved feeding Milo candy and popsicles, snacks he ate up until the last few months of his life. Charles passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, joining his beloved wife, Jessie, in eternity. He leaves behind cherished memories with his son, daughter-in-love, grandsons Shawn, Yolanda, Seth, and Zach of Atlanta, Georgia; his sisters, Barbie Johnson and Bernadette (George) of Los Angeles, California; Catherine Johnson of Tallahassee, Florida; Melvin Trottman of Detroit, Michigan; JD Trottman (Patricia) of Tallahassee; as well as his siblings who have passed on, Willie Johnson, Betty Jean Kersey, and Margret Paremore. He also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Charles William Johnson

January 9, 1943 - October 13, 2025