[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 27 (Friday, February 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E227-E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING LEON C. JOHNSON, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2012

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and 
honor the life of Mr. Leon C. Johnson, Sr.
  Mr. Johnson was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on August 13, 1936, 
to Maceo P. and Ella L. Johnson, and passed on January 17, 2012. As a 
young man he was tagged with the nickname of ``Lion,'' denoting 
strength of character, leadership, determination and pride. This mantle 
he wore with pride and resolve, which he ably demonstrated as head of 
the family after the passing of his father and following his tour of 
duty during the Korean Conflict. Leon Johnson served from that point 
forward as the father figure and big brother for his younger siblings, 
Josephine, David, Theodore and Kenneth, as well as the co-leader of the 
Johnson family with his elder brother Maceo. Together, they instilled 
the virtues of family unity, sibling pride, honor, respect and drive to 
succeed. And each member held true to those life learning tenets and 
did achieve to those professional heights of success and service. All 
accomplished under the loving and watchful gaze of their mother, Ella 
Johnson and aunt, Annie Baisden, two women of strength, courage and 
determination, who vowed to raise the finest ``gentlemen and lady'' in 
the Johnson family tradition, both of whom preceded Leon in death, but 
left an indelible mark on everyone.
  Leon graduated from Stanton High School in 1954 and attended Edward 
Waters College in Jacksonville, was a proud veteran who served his 
country in the Army during the Korean Conflict and began his 
professional career with the United States Postal System where he 
served in a variety of managerial positions until his retirement. He 
continued his service to the postal system and its many employees as a 
long time member of the Postal Credit Union Board of Directors. Leon is 
survived by his loving and caring wife of 52 years, Barbara Green 
Johnson; his son, Leon C. Johnson, Jr., and daughter Michelle, 5 
grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and a host of aunts, nephews, 
nieces and special friends.
  His passing marks a very special moment, which is reflected in the 
depth of loss felt and hope renewed. Leon was a loving, caring family 
man and a dear friend to so many. It is said

[[Page E228]]

that his was an infectious personality touching all whom he met. His 
legendary sense of humor was a joy and a comfort, adeptly conveying his 
care, concern and passion for others and it was limitless in its reach 
into the heart, soul and mind of those who bore witness to this 
wonderful and selfless man. His love of family and friends formed an 
unbreakable bond which withstood and weathered all manner of life's 
success and challenges, those of his own and of his loved ones and 
friends. This pure and deep love influenced his pledge to each of them 
to love, support, help and guide them through life, to celebrate their 
achievements and embrace their challenges. He stood proudly by his 
family and gave his best so that each would achieve and in so doing, 
give unto others the best of themselves in service to mankind. He gave 
so much, yet every sacrifice was meant to empower those whom he loved 
and in so doing he gained immeasurably in pride, stature and humility. 
His service to and love of family was a willing sacrifice willingly 
undertaken and richly rewarded as evidenced by his unabridged pride in 
all of his family's accomplishments and their resultant service to 
their communities. Never at a loss for words was Leon, through his 
humor, his compassion, his leadership, his fierce and determined 
support and his sheer love of family. This was a man of genuine love 
and compassion, and in his passing, a true celebration of life was held 
to remember and hold in highest esteem this man, this father, this 
husband, this brother and this friend.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask that you join me in honoring the life of a 
man who leaves behind a record of service that speaks volumes about his 
life.

                          ____________________