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Obituary For Willis Jerome Johnson, Sr.

Willis Jerome (Jiggie) Johnson, Sr. was the ninth child born to the union of the late Wilbert and Georgia Catney Johnson of Fort Pierce, FL on January 6, 1956. Willis was a graduate of the St. Lucie County School District of which he graduated from Fort Pierce Central High in 1974. Willis matriculated through Indian River Community College and Florida A&M University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. After graduation, he became employed by St. Lucie County School District. There he taught Physical Education at Frances K. Sweet Magnet School. He was a track coach, Freshman and JV football coach at Westwood High School, head baseball coach at Lincoln Park Academy. Willis’ passion for sports and people provided him the opportunity to lend his talents in assisting his brother as an assistant baseball coach and also working with his niece in coaching softball at Westwood High School. This was something that he loved, as it included both family and sports. His professional career concluded with retirement of 36 years of service at Frances K. Sweet Elementary Magnet School in 2015. However, his greatest accomplishment at Frances K. Sweet was the introduction of his help meet and union in marriage to Carolyn A. Wimes Johnson in 1983.

Willis was a gregarious and consummate professional. He took his responsibilities as a coach and teacher with great genuineness. He was an effective communicator with a vast knowledge of sports and politics. Students and his many acquaintances will cherish the fond memories of “Coach” as he imparted knowledge to his students. The number of students impacted by Coach Johnson is too numerous to mention individually. His community service spans the gamut from volunteering to coaching baseball with his brother to coaching a Double Dutch team at Frances K. Sweet. His spirit and warm heart will be missed and the Fort Pierce community will surely feel the void by Willis’ untimely departure. More so, Willis was the patron of his family as a loving and doting father and husband.

Surviving his transition are his loving spouse of 36 years, Carolyn A. Wimes Johnson; sons, Willis Johnson, Jr. (Terri) of Fort Pierce, Florida and Michael Johnson of Tallahassee, Florida; daughters, Regina Sampson(Steven), Amy Harriel(Justin), Khadijah Johnson all of Atlanta, Georgia and Tiwanna Lightbrown of Durham, North Carolina; brothers, Charles Johnson(Gloria), Harold Johnson; sisters, Janice McGriff, Jeanette Johnson, and Constance Slater(Anthony); sisters-in-law, Effie Johnson, Rita Johnson, and Christine Taylor-Johnson. He was an affectionate grandfather for his grandchildren, Torin, Tarique, Jasmine, Destiny, Taronald, Lamar, Ashari, Jalen, Jayla, and Nia; godsister, Kellier Dixon; goddaughter, Wenisha Adams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends who will miss him dearly.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Georgia Johnson; his brothers, Wilbert Johnson, Jr., Calvin Johnson, Jimmie Johnson, and sister, Betty Ann Johnson-Haynes.

Public visitation for Coach Willis Johnson, Sr. will take place on Friday, March 20, 2020 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at the River of Life Fellowship in Fort Pierce, FL. A Celebration of his life will convene on Saturday, March 21, 2020 also at the River of Life Fellowship at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park in Fort Pierce, FL.

Guest Book

My deepest sympathy to the Johnson family, and cousin Jiggy who I never had the pleasure of meeting. My dad Ezell Lamar Catney was your uncle and your mom was my aunt. I hope to visit all of the remaining Johnson family after this virus is over. Love Alicia Catney Huntsville Alabama

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Family, I want to keep encourging you. I had the pleasure of being a teammate of Jiggy. We played for Harris Construction, Mustangs, under a humanitarian of a man- Paint Man. Jiggy was a great teammate; he loved to practice and play- not many, like to practice, but would show to play. Practice paid off for him. He would hussle for every ball hit and run out those he hit, and encourage all his teammates. I remember our Bookkeeper and Bat Girl- Janice and Connie, respectively. His family, and all were important to him. Here's to all the Northside players, boosters, fans and supporters, that made us better Human Beings. Jiggy knew what was our relationship meant. Don't wait to tell others of what they mean to you. Love unconditionally! Jiggy did. He's in my heart, forever. Family, he's just gone away for a while; you'll know when he's back, when you find yourself laughing at something he'd said. He will still be able to do everything through the legacy he left behind. Just think of what he would be saying right now. I hear laughter. He lives. Be blessed. Emmett D Toombs & Family Havre de Grace, MD

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With deepest condolences to Carolyn & the Johnson family in the loss of your love one Jiggie, he will be surely missed and the heartfelt memories of loving spirit, and inspiration of living to lead by example will always be remembered by the Floyd's family. Jiggie have left indelible marks of love and caring in the lives of many people. Our prayers of peace and comfort goes forth for the family. Love, Reginald & Barbara Floyd

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My heart is hurting because of this news, but I remember you affectionately as Coach Johnson . I began my love for Track and Field under you at Frances K Sweet. You introduced me to your wonderful and loving nieces Brenda and Janine. You encouraged me as a child to do my best and not let what others said about me bring me down. I've often thought of you and now wish that I could have said "thank you" one last time . Rest easy Coach. You did a wonderful job! Erika (Potter) Brown

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My heart is hurting because of this news, but I remember you affectionately as Coach Johnson . I began my love for Track and Field under you at Frances K Sweet. You introduced me to your wonderful and loving nieces Brenda and Janine. You encouraged me as a child to do my best and not let what others said about me bring me down. I've often thought of you and now wish that I could have said "thank you" one last time . Rest easy Coach. You did a wonderful job

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I will never forget you Coach Johnson!!! Amazing that he doubled as a PE coach at FKSweet and one of the most influential people in every young childs life that encountered him! He taught you to dream big and do your best and give it your all! He was so invested in my swimming and hung newspaper articles of me even when I wasn't at FKS and had moved onto middle/highschool. I will never forget you! <3 Meleah

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Because I have lost my father, I know the black cloud of loneliness hovering over your heart right now. Mr. Johnson's death is going to take a long time to sink into your mind. Just be comforted by the fact that you will see your loved one in heaven. I am holding you up in my prayers, dear Regina, now more than ever. Jerry Drayton

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Our sincere condolences to the Johnson Family. May our God give you strength and peace during this time. RIP Willis (Jiggie) Diane Prince Darden and Family

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"May the work you have done speak for you" ,Coach Johnson we enjoyed your teaching ," Double Dutch ", to our Girl Scouts Troop # 282 in the Gifford Area , Leaders: Mrs. Magaret Dawson-Brown & Ms. Debroha Walker. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Coach Johnson.

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Carolyn and The Johnson Family Words can't take away the hurt you're feeling, but just know others care. My heart goes out to you and your family durng this time of bereavement. Cherish your fond members of Jiggie, and they will help you through this difficult time. His smiling face as I recall,he had kind words for each and was liked by All. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18 Carlos Cobb-Jackson

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Coach Johnson, you were one of the most dedicated teachers I ever had the pleasure of working with! Your ability to inspire students to be the best they could be no matter what their situation might be. Your positive attitude rubbed off on us all even during difficult times. You will be missed! God give your family peace during this difficult time. Christine Hill, Music Specialist, FKS. 1992-2008

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Jiggie never called me by my name. He always called me "Coach". Like so many others he met he'd call them Coach too. The closest I'd ever been to playing any sports was ducking foul balls that seemed to target my head as I sat in the bleachers. One day Jiggie told me why he called people "Coach". He said anyone who teaches, advise, or counsels another person is a coach. So from that day on, I'd relish the times he would call me coach. I would respond to him by saying"Coach,Coach" because it didn't seem quite right for him to put me on his level. He was loved and revered so very much. The cherished memories of Coach are inextricably woven in my heart and the recesses of my mind... forever. So Coach, rest in peace. First Cousin Bobby(Coach, BJ) Johnson

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To be absent of the body is to be present with the Lord Jesus Christ! The memories of us coaching each other and our FAMU classmates in our Gymnastics Lab will always be A special part of my athletic and collegiate life. I'll never forget how perfect your back handsprings into your back layout was. If we only had some formal coaching in our youth we could have changed the Mens Gymnastics world. I'm so sorry that we didn't get the chance to get together after I met Micheal in Tallahassee but that's the way life is sometimes. I'll never forget you my friend, rest in peace and my prayers for your family are many. Always In Christ, Stanford "Stan the Man" Thomas.

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Coach may your spirit live on in all of those you touched. You believed in the character of a person and saw the potential in us all. Rest easy. - Rodney Husbands (student FKS 1992-1997)

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My best an favorite memory of you with our A league little league team with your son. A transition took place at the pitcher mound an you put me in against a hard baseball team to beat Dr. Legler. We won that game with a strike out pitch to my old friend, i ran an jump in your arms with joy and we won that game 4-2 that was an amazing game for us,your family is in my prayers but i love and miss you coach. Almando carty

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The second hard pill in life to swallow hearing of u transitioning.You were like a second dad always saving many of us from trouble so we would have a bright future. You will be missed Coach..To the family keep his memory alive by always being loving and kind its what he would've wanted..My prayers are with each of you...

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My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Coach Johnson. Draw nigh to God and let Him comfort and strengthen you during your hour of sadness. Rev. Frances Harris

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Coach I remember the time you called my dad because I wouldn't sit on my Correct for at P.E and I got the phone from u and told my dad Something that didn't even go on And I know you was very upset for be being Such a bad student coach I really am sorry I learn to be a better person and I'm trying to learn how to maintain and stay on track u already said life is going to be hard but you just have to find your way and just make sure your doing the right thing . Jontravious Bryant

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Coach I remember the time you called my dad because I wouldn't sit on my Correct for at P.E and I got the phone from u and told my dad Something that didn't even go on And I know you was very upset for be being Such a bad student coach I really am sorry I learn to be a better person and I'm trying to learn how to maintain and stay on track u already said life is going to be hard but you just have to find your way and just make sure your doing the right thing . Jontravious Bryant

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Umm I just don't even believe it I wish I can speak you Coach Johnson one more time because I would love to tell you about a men I have become and Something Came to my Mind a Few Days ago while I was driving about you and I just didn't know What I was thinking about and Now here I am crying inside because you was the best coach You showed me Junking skillingnat F.K.Sweet this is Jontravious Bryant I miss you coach I really miss you man I really have something to talk about

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R.I.P Coach Johnson you will be greatly missed. You were my p.e coach and my double dutch coach at F.K Sweet. Thank you for always being the caring person you were. I will never forget our journey and how you pushed us(the sweet peas) and the rest of the double dutch team so hard when we made it to the state finals in Boca Raton. We all love you but God loves you better. Prayers to the family. With deepest sympathy. Altansas Gordon

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...remembering you fondly. Johnny and Cheryl Bennett

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Rest In Peace, Coach. Thank you for all of the words of wisdom, guidance, and encouragement you shared with so many students and staff over the years at FKS. You made all of us better people. Tom Filipkowski (teacher, FKS, 1997-2011)

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Our deepest condolences for the Johnson family !THE BENJAMINS

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My deepest condolences go out to the Johnson family for the loss of my long-time friend, Willis. My prayers are with each of you during your time of bereavement. Rest In Heaven, my friend. From: Christelle Myrick - Fort Pierce, Florida

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My deepest condolences go out to the Johnson family for the loss of my long-time friend, Willis. My prayers are with each of you during your time of bereavement. Rest In Heaven, my friend.

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Coach Johnson, Thank you for the profound influence you had on the lives of so many students at F.K.Sweet! You were always a "shining light of professionalism and inspiration" to all of us. I always credited a large portion of our success as a magnet school in the early days to "you"! The students loved and admired you then and many years later "you" were the teacher/coach they remembered! My sincere appreciation for your years of dedication. My prayers and thoughts are with your family! With Deepest Sympathy, Gerri McPherson(FKS Principal 1992-99)

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Coach, You sure will be missed by so many, Thank you for all you have done in the Fort Pierce area, You awesome words, smiles and dedication. My thoughts and Prayers are with your whole family, I knew most of them from Badcock Furn. there on 7th St. and knew you from school as well. May you RIP sir. Rest easy now.. Carl Luckman

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Coach you will definitely be missed by many. The news of your transition comes as a shock to me but I know that my heavenly father knows what is best. Thank you for always being who you were. Thank you for speaking positive words about my brother when I was younger. Thank you for speaking positive about my children whom you taught many years after I graduated FKS. Your earthly journey is now over, but you will live on in our hearts.

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Cousin Williams we just talked about a month ago in Dunkin Donuts and you were telling me that you and your wife were both retired now. Whenever we would run into each other you had encouraging words to tell me. I miss ya already but there was someone who needed you more. Rest Easy !!!

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May you sleep with the angels Coach Johnson you'll be missed by many he was my coach at Westwood thanks for your greatest kindness!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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