Isaac Johnson Obituary (1934 - 2019)

Isaac Lester Johnson Jr. was born on July 9, 1934 to Isaac L. Johnson Sr. and Frankie Lee Terrell in Arnold Maryland. He was called from this life on June 17, 2019. Raised in the Browns Woods community of Annapolis Maryland, Isaac learned the value of hard work and devotion to family at a young age. He was affectionately nicknamed "June-bug" as a child and later "Ike" by his close family and friends. He was an intelligent and resourceful leader throughout his life. As a teen, he was able to assist his father in plumbing their childhood home. He continued his handy skills throughout life and seldom called for repair men for any appliance or household items. Isaac understood the value of hard work as a child from the resourceful labors of his parents in supporting their family. He worked as a caddie at the Naval Academy golf course and later as a waiter in restaurants on the New Jersey shore during his college summers. In 1952, he graduated from the historical Wiley H. Bates High School (the only high school for African Americans in Anne Arundel County) in Annapolis, MD and was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Kentucky State University in 1956. In college, he was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. After college he continued to keep close ties with his Browns Woods family and friends. While at Kentucky State University, Isaac met Gwendolyn A. Branham and they were married on August 29, 1957. They spent the early years of their marriage in Baltimore and Annapolis, MD. Excelling in his career in the defense contracting market, he moved his family to New Hampshire, Michigan and Massachusetts for better employment opportunities. Isaac and Gwendolyn retired in Gainesville, Florida and subsequently Point of Rocks, MD. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Isaac L. Johnson III (Margalie), Gwenitha L. Johnson, Reginald L. Johnson, and Terrell G. Johnson (Tara). It was further blessed with seven grandchildren: Joel, Frankie, Isaac IV, Michael, Andrew, Daniel and Bethany Grace. Isaac was raised in a God-fearing environment as faithful member of the family community church, Asbury Broadneck United Methodist Church. He later became an active member of several Pentecostal assemblies located in Attleboro MA, Gainesville, FL and ljamsville, MD. Isaac was a dedicated volunteer at church. He served in multiple ministries, particularly as an usher, trustee, and benevolence coordinator at the Pentecostals of Gainesville, FL. Isaac was viewed as a leader and wise man by many. He was frequently called and/or sought for advice and guidance. Coupled with his ease in relationships and quick sense of humor, he was approachable and a blessing to many. His favorite saying was "You do what you have to ..." which speaks to his outlook on many things including his love for God, and his family. He was always available to do what was needed for his family. He also initiated and helped to start a Boy Scout troop contributing to the lives of numerous young men. He demonstrated exceptional work ethic and dedication in everything he undertook. In his career, Isaac successfully managed several publications and proposal management organizations. He was the recipient of professional awards and recognition. In 1979 he received the prestigious Black Achievers in Industry award at a formal ceremony in New York City. He took additional graduate courses at several colleges including Boston University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, Worcester Polytechnic and Northeastern Universities to further his professional knowledge. Isaac loved to golf and was good at it. He was a frequent participant in company golf leagues and winner of numerous championships. He also enjoyed chess, pinochle, photography and spending time with family and friends. He was competitive and played every game to win. With his passing, he joins his beloved wife of 60 years, Gwendolyn, who passed January 6, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his brother Algie Lee Johnson. He leaves his brother, Howard M. Johnson, and a host of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family members as well as dear friends. The viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Friday, June 28th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at Christian Life Center, 3154 Green Valley Road, Ijamsville, MD 21754. At 7:00PM there will be a brief time for sharing memories and reflections. A service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29 at Christian Life Center with an additional time of visitation from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kline Hospice House, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702 or www.hospiceoffrederick.org on behalf of Isaac L. Johnson, Jr.