Samuel A. Johnson

EASTON, Md. - Samuel A. Johnson, the devoted husband of Courtney M. Johnson, departed this life on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at Easton Memorial Hospital, Easton. Samuel, (Sammy so frequently called), was born Dec. 31, 1932, in Hurlock. He was the son of Rachel Etta and Monroe S. Johnson. He was one of six children; two girls and four boys. He attended the public schools of Dorchester County, Hurlock Elementary School and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in Cambridge, in 1949. Upon graduating from high school he entered the U.S. Army in 1950. He served his country three years. While a soldier, he played the trombone in the 173 Army Band Unit at Fort Dix, N.J., and later on in this career became a medic. He spent 35 years as an employee of the Federal Government at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del. Additionally, he drove the school bus for his father, and upon his fathers retirement, he took over the business thus become a bus contractor for the Public School System of Dorchester County. This business has been in the family 65 years. Samuel was truly a community man. He was always available to help his fellow man. There was no one to high or to low for him to converse with, give good advice, give encouragement or even financial assistance. He was "The Man." He extended these same courtesies to his family. He was a good husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, in law, friend and served as a mentor and father figure to many of his relatives. He was a role model to many. There are many who refer to him as Dad, Pop, Pop Pop, and even Poppie. His extended family includes many. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Courtney of Hurlock; one brother, William Bernard of Randallstown; two sisters, Dorothy E. Fletcher of Philadelphia, and Shirley J. Rose of Bel Air; one devoted sister- in-law, Harriett Johnson of Cordova, Tenn.; a precious aunt and his only aunt, Olivia Shaw of Wilmington, Del; nephews, Lawrence B. Johnson (Kim) of Norcross, Ga., Tracy Fletcher II (Kimberly) of Millerville, Pa., and Robert Jolley of Washington, D.C.; and nieces, Deirdre L. Fletcher of New York City, Rhonda Johnson of Cordova, Tenn., Margo Kelly (Willie) of Upper Marlboro, and Earlene Jolley of Hyattsville. Additionally there are many great, great nieces and nephews and many, many cousins. Preceding Sammy in death were his parents, Rachel and Monroe Johnson of Hurlock; two brothers, James Oliver Jolley of Washington, D.C., and Charles Leonard Johnson of Cordova, Tenn.; and his foster brother, Thomas Lester Matthews of Hurlock. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Monroe S. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Foundation c/o P.O. Box 156 Hurlock, MD 21643; or to Shirley J. Rose 2407 Churchville Rd., Bel Air, MD 21015. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Hurlock United Methodist Church, Hurlock. Viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 and one hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.