Edward Q Johnson

EDWARD Q. JOHNSON, affectionately known as "Sonny Boy," was born to Bennett and Odessa Johnson on December 25, 1939 in Batesville, Mississippi. He attended Florida Street School in Memphis, Tennessee and McKinley High School in Buffalo, New York. While living in Buffalo, he discovered his passion for cooking and attended Manpower Cooking School. After completing his training, he became employed at Pratt and Letchwork, where he was such an impeccable worker and leader that he was elected as a union representative until he took employment with Layne & Bowler as a welder. During that time, he married and became the father of four children.

In 1973, Layne & Bowler relocated to Memphis, TN. Mr. Johnson dedicated 16 years to Layne & Bowler until they went out of business. While living in Memphis, he met his soulmate, Joyce M. Ray. The married and raised her son, Corey Moss, as his own. While married, Mr. Johnson became a faithful member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Frank L. Ray, Sr, who was also Joyce's brother. Not only was Mr. Johnson a member of the church, he was a leading tenor soloist for New Salem Church's Male Choir. The male chorus traveled all over Memphis, singing at other churches and nursing homes. During Mr. Johnson's 20 year union with Joyce, she became ill and he was her faithful caregiver and stood by his wife's side until her transition on March 2, 2002.

In 1989, Mr. Johnson worked for Methodist Hospital as a Security Officer, moving up the ranks and becoming Sergeant. He dedicated over 16 years and retired in 2005. Mr. Johnson decided to return home to live with his siblings, daughter, and grandchildren until his transition. In 2015, Mr. Johnson joined St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church under the leadership of Pastor Steve Biegner.

Mr. Johnson departed this life May 15, 2017 in Buffalo, NY. He leaves to cherish his memories two daughters, Pamela S. Scrivens (Raynard) and Sharon T. Gray (Glenn Sr); three sons, Edward Johnson Jr, Reginald Johnson and Corey Moss; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren; three sisters, Helen Poumpey, Marvel Miller and Melinda Johnson; three brothers, Rosemond Johnson, Jerry Johnson and Clifford Johnson. a very close aunt, Mariah Wilkes; sister-in-law, Martina Johnson; best friend, Harvey Kelly and a host of other loving family and friends.

Family will receive friends Saturday, May 27, 2017, 11am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 4007 Main St. Funeral to follow at 12 noon. Interment held at Ridgelawn Cemetery.

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