Clarence Johnson, Jr.

His Life Remembered. . .

                          For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.                                    

  2 Corinthians 5:1

On Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 11:16 p.m., Clarence “Big Sam” Johnson, Jr. transitioned from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant!

On January 4, 1940, on Columbia Plantation in Edgard, Louisiana, a bright bouncy boy was the first child born to the union of the late Clarence Johnson, Sr. and Gertrude Schexnayder Johnson.  He would set the pace for what would grow into a loving and happy family of nine children.  Clarence was a loving child, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. 

The family remembers hearing stories about this first born early on in their lives.  Many recalls stories of how Clarence was a character from the early existence of his life and somehow got two nicknames, “Pa-Tut,” and later on, “Big Sam.”  His older nephews and nieces, knowing what would tick him off, would call him “Uncle Tutty.”  His mother would tell of how the village men on Columbia Plantation spoiled him rotten and he loved every minute of it.    As the character he was, his two-year younger sister, Lorraine, recalls how she caught up with him in school, but according to him, he never failed.  The story goes that he’d leave school during sugarcane harvesting (grinding season) and return and catch up with his studies. He made it clear that he never failed, he was just behind and had to catch up, however they ended up graduating together. We recalled how studious he was and could do any math problems in his head.  As a matter of fact, Math was one of his favorite subjects.  “Big Sam” reminded everybody in the family what position he held ~ next to Clarence Sr., he was the Man.   It was never a dull moment in this family of nine, who was by this time living on Burley Wood Lane where the majority of the “Johnson Clan” dwelled.

Clarence was a lifelong resident of Edgard, Louisiana.  He was educated in the public schools of St. John the Baptist Parish.  He attended Second Ward Elementary and graduated from Second Ward High School in 1961.   He was a good athlete and their baseball team even played for the State Championship.  He was offered a scholarship to attend college but decided he wasn’t college material and decided to seek other options.  He worked as a mechanic at the Caire & Graugnard Sugar Mill for many years.  He then gained employment at the Avondale Shipyard, where he worked until retirement in 1999. 

Around 1971, at the age of 32, Clarence surrendered his life to God.  It was on an Easter Sunday Morning when he and his brother Robert was baptized at the Second African Baptist Church, by the late Rev. L. C. Smith.  Their parents had been praying for years that they would give their lives to Christ.  It was a joyful day to see their prayers answered!!  In later years, he became a member of the Historic Bethlehem B. C., under the leadership of Rev. Rodney Johnson. 

On December 3, 2000, Clarence was united in holy matrimony to the former Gloria Melonson of Hahnville, LA.  There’s was a union of 21+ happy years that produced a beautiful blended family.  The Johnson Family called Gloria an “Angel” from heaven.  She was a loving and devoted wife to Clarence and will forever be remembered, appreciated and loved for all she did to care for him during his waning years.

Clarence loved life, nature, and especially sports.  He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Boston Celtics and he loved the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He enjoyed dancing the twist under the instructions of Chubby Checker and was always ready to teach his younger sisters and brothers how to do the dance using a bath towel.  He was like a big little brother, in one breath he asked you for a penny and in the same manner, he was protective, and he made you feel special when you were in his presence.  Everyone knew that “Big Sam” didn’t bite his tongue.  He would fight with you and he would also fight for you with everything he had.   He was always ready and willing to help a fellow man. 

Clarence leaves his loving and devoted family to honor his memories; a loving and dedicated wife, Gloria Johnson; one devoted daughter, Tina Louise Johnson; one faithful son, James Anthony Johnson; grandchildren, Kennedi Alise’ Sherrell, Kolin Antonio Sherrell; great grandchild, Marcel Amaree’ Randle. He was blessed to receive the love and care from each of his blended family members; Earvin Alexander, Gregory Williams (Phyllis), LaShonda Alexander, Edwin Alexander, TraShan Glenn; two devoted brothers, Solomon Johnson (Sheba), and Rev. Frank Johnson (Shirline); four loving sisters, Lorraine J. Pierre (Marvin), Marie J. Johnson (Eddie), Belinda J. Powell (Ernest), and Dianne J. Pullen (Clinton, Jr.); godchild Brennen Champaigne and Violet Agusta Borne; sister-in laws Aldonia Johnson, Louise Stepter, Dorothy Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Johnson, Sr. and Gertrude S. Johnson; brothers, Donald Johnson, Sr., Robert Johnson, nephew Dwayne Pierre and play son David Glenn.

When God calls home a tired soul, and stills a fitful breath,   

Love Divine is waiting there; this, too, is birth, not death.

Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, Officers and Members of The Historic Bethlehem Baptist Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at 11:00am on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at The Historic Bethlehem Baptist Church, 14989 River Road, Hahnville, LA  70057. Rev. Rodney Johnson, Pastor-Officiant.  In accordance with the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 masks are suggested for all in attendance. Visitation 9:00am until time of service at the above-named church. Interment Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Hahnville, LA.  Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, Inc. 605 Main Street, LaPlace, LA.  For information 985-359-1919.  “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission”.