Bernard Johnson Sr.

Reverend Bernard Johnson Sr. departed his earthly life on Monday, November 22, 2021. He was born July 16,1952 in Charleston, South Carolina to the late Bernice Johnson. He was the eldest of six siblings, three which preceded him in death: Barabra McDonald, Joe Reed, and Gloria Reed. Bernard received his education from C.A. Brown High School in Charleston, S.C., Diploma, Paine College, Bachelor of Arts in History. Additionally, he became a member of the Gamma Beta Chapter; Omega Psi Phi Faternity. Bernard gave his life to Christ, got baptized, and became a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina. He also served in Sunday School and on The Usher Board. He became a license and ordained Minister. Then, he pastored two churches St. James Baptist Church, Hilton Head, S.C. and Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Savannah, Ga. During his time serving as a pastor, he led many to Christ. He also baptized many people into the kingdom, visited, and prayed for many sick people, performed weddings, and officiated as well as preached many Eulogies. Bernard was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Paine College for beginning and coaching the first women’s basketball team. Bernard was the First Black District commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 157 at Conner’s Temple Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia. Bernard saw the need to organize a program for children ages 5-13 years old that would help the children continue to grow and develop socially, physically, and culturally during the summer. In November of 1999, The Pine Mountain Enrichment Program was organized by Minister Bernard Johnson and Debra Johnson. One of the goals of this non-profit program was to provide positive enriching activities and field trips. The blending of educational activities and enriching field trips has made the program fun for the children. The program has provided services to children in other nearby towns. For over 19 years, the program has served over 500 students and has provided educational enhancement and empowered scholars to seek out Christ and strive for higher education. He traveled to over 50 colleges/universities from the east coast to the west coast exposing students to college life. This organization won a national honor, the Points of Light Award. In addition to The Pine Mountain Enrichment Program, Bernard also organized The William Carter Educational Tour, Health Awareness, and Basic Skills Basketball Camp. He, along with his volunteer staff, worked with over 300 mostly first-generation high achievement students from low to moderate income families to explore educational opportunities. Many of Minister Johnson’s parishioners from Hilton, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia were major donors. He also was a former counselor for troubled children, former Program Coordinator for an After-School Program for At-Risk Middle School students. He has served in many other positions helping to build future leaders. During his spare time, he enjoyed several hobbies – fishing, hunting, traveling, and playing/watching sports. Bernard met and married his college sweetheart Debra Copeland Johnson (May 6,1977- August 30, 2021) and to that union he begot three sons: Bernard Jr. (Andrea) Johnson, Dion Sr. (Daphne) Johnson, Jousha Johnson. He also leaves another son, Kelvin Blackman. Two sisters Janice (Robert) Lincoln and Shirley Hart. A brother, Darryl Reed. Bernard leaves a host of other loved ones to cherish his memory. grandchildren: Berna Johnson, Deanna Johnson, Bernard Gromov, Dakota Johnson, Zoe Johnson, Maia Rieger, Dion Johnson Jr., Ahayah Johnson, Issac Schultz, and Terence Schultz. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, former parishioners, colleagues, campers, students, and mentees.

Bernard Johnson Sr.

July 16, 1952 - November 22, 2021