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MASURY -- Willie Brooks Johnson, a longtime resident of Masury, Ohio, was welcomed home as he joyfully passed into the loving arms of his bride, Ellen, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. He was 89.
Willie was born on Sept. 13, 1936, in Wheelwright, Kentucky, a son to William and Edna Wright Johnson.
He graduated in 1954 from Palmer Dunbar High School, Wheelwright, and furthered his education at Kentucky State University, where he studied sociology.
Self was forgotten when he enlisted in the U.S. Army to defend our flag and help keep our country free. Willie was assigned to the 36th evacuation hospital at Fort Gordon G. Meade, Maryland. He faithfully served with pride and distinction. He was honorably discharged from his duties with the rank of specialist E-5.
Following his return home, Willie worked at Cleveland State Hospital as a psychiatric aide. It was there that he met a beautiful gal by the name of Ellen Slocum. They courted for a short time and took each other's hand in matrimony on March 31, 1965. Together, they cherished 56 years of wedding bliss before her passing on Sept. 23, 2021.
Additionally, he worked for General Motors in Lordstown and retired in 1993 after dedicating over 27 years of service to the company.
He was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 1112.
In his spare time, he enjoyed sports, bowling and cheering for the Cleveland Browns. He loved coaching Little League baseball and was proud of his 20-0 season. Furthermore, he liked attending family sports activities. Willie was all about his family and will definitely be missed.
Survivors include his sons, the Rev. Brian K. Johnson Sr. (Danielle Manson) of Hubbard and Kenneth Johnson (Susan) of Masury; grandchildren, Brian Johnson Jr., Antoine Springs, Mitchell Bartz and Brittney Springs; great-grandchildren, Atlas Springs, Avery Springs and Liam Glover; and goddaughter, Shanice Webb.
In addition to his wife, Ellen, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Winston and Keene Johnson; and sisters, Lillie B. Cotton, Lillie Mae Hall, Willie Pearl Johnson and Ruth Helen Tiggs.
In accordance with his wishes, no public calling hours or services will be held.
He will be laid to rest, alongside his wife, in the Brookfield Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Countryside at the Elmwood, 871 Elmwood Drive, Hubbard, OH 44425.
Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Johnson was presented by Daniel Briceland, owner and director of Briceland Funeral Service, Brookfield, OH 44403, 330-509-3135.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com.
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