Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

Obituary For Walter Thaniel Johnson, Jr.

Mr. Walter Thaniel Johnson, Jr., 81, of Greensboro, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 24, 2021. He was the second child of Walter T. Johnson, Sr. and Gertrude Alexander Johnson. Walter was born and raised in Greensboro, NC, where he graduated from James B. Dudley High School in 1957. In 1961, he graduated from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College with a degree in Engineering Physics where he was student body president and member of the ROTC. Walter enlisted in the United States Air Force, but was deferred in order for him to make history by becoming the first African American student to enroll in Duke University through the School of Law in the Fall of 1961. After law school, Walter began his service as a Captain in the USJAG Corp at Stewart Air Force base in Newburgh, NY. On March 20, 1965, Walter married the love of his life, Yvonne Jeffries. This union produced four children. After completion of his military service, Walter moved back to his hometown of Greensboro where he began his law career as a Solicitor (now known as an Assistant District Attorney) for the State of North Carolina. Thereafter, he went into private practice until 1980 when he was called into government service by then Governor Jim Hunt as the first African American to serve as Chairman of the NC Parole Commission. During the course of his legal career, Walter taught at both Duke Law School and NC Central School of Law as an adjunct professor. After Walter’s service with the State, he opened his own law practice where he protected the rights of many until his retirement in 2004.

Walter was a member of several boards and organizations. He was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi for over 60 years. He was a member of the Greensboro Sports Council, Greensboro Men’s Club, Black Lawyers Association, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boule), Greensboro Bar Association, UNCG Board of Trustees, Academy of Trial Lawyers, Gold Helmet Club, Dudley Alumni Association, NCA&T Alumni Association, Inmate Grievance Committee, Greensboro Planning Commission, a proud Driftwood, and a plethora of other boards and organizations.

Walter was a pioneer and a trailblazer. He served as the first African American Chairman of the Greensboro Public School’s School Board in the late 1960s. He also developed businesses in chemical production and contracting. He was a founding member of BARJO Chemicals, Inc., and his contracting company was responsible for building affordable housing in Northeast Greensboro.

Walter was a life long member of Providence Baptist Church where he served multiple terms on the Board of Trustees as well as attorney for the church. His love for Providence was expressed by his dedication to bringing his beloved grandchildren to Sunday School almost every Sunday morning.

Walter had a zest for life, and derived great joy from his family, friends and various sporting activities. He particularly enjoyed his workouts at the Hayes Taylor YMCA. Walter had a wide collection of stalwart friends and associates that enriched his life. He was an avid reader and a huge supporter of NCA&T Athletics and all activities his wife, children and grandchildren participated in.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne J. Johnson of 56 years whom he loved “more than tongue could tell.” He also took delight and pride in his children Walter Johnson, III (Samara), Vernon Johnson(Tina), Attorney Lisa Johnson-Tonkins (JT), and Shannon Johnson-Lackey (Tarji); his adoration for his children was only matched by that for his eight grandchildren: Vernon “Kenji” Johnson, Jalen Tonkins, Teara Johnson, Devin Tonkins, Lillian Sequoyah Johnson, Sanai Johnson, Maya Grace Johnson and Malik Tonkins; and one great grandchild Kamaari. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Trice; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Kpeglo; brother-in-law, Dr. Maurice Kpeglo; nephews, Rodger Dickerson and Mitchell Trice; nieces, Mary Alice Shaw, Lillian Francis, Enyonam Williams and Senadzi Haley; God-sister, Norma McLaughlin Williams; God-children, James Davis, Jr., Angelo Manwell Grady, Chantelle Grady, Chris Bragg, Willa Carter, and Jonathan Mosley-Perry.

**Service will be live streamed access code is 51840 **

A public viewing will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel of Perry J. Brown Funeral Home. Omega Service 4:45pm. A service honoring his life will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Providence Baptist Church, 1106 Tuscaloosa St, Greensboro, NC 27406. The visitation will begin at 2:00pm and the service will follow at 3:00pm. Burial Lakeview Memorial Park.

Services Entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home (336)-272-6109

Guest Book

Walter was a great classmate at Duke Law. We were all under pressure but I can't imagine the additional pressure that he was under. RIP. John Flanigan

- na

Sincere Condolences to the Johnson Family. May GOD keep his arms around the family. Edwin M White III and family.

- na

May God bring comfort and peace to the Walter Johnson Family during this time. Manuel Hyman

- na

Johnson Family, Please know our hearts and prayers are with you. We are praying for the love and peace of God to fill your days and nights. With sincerest condolences, Al, LaVie, Ciara, and Camille Leasure

- na

Walter Johnson was a role model for many of us in this city and beyond. He will be remembered for many "First Time Achievements" and his determination to ensure that everyone was treated with respect and dignity, as well as his pursuit for equal justice under the law. We are thankful for the leadership positions Walter filled for the betterment of our total community. Our deepest condolences to the Johnson family. William and Diane McLaughlin

- na

To Mrs. Yvonne Johnson.. to Walter III, Vernon, Lisa, Shannon and their families... to Mrs. Patricia J. Trice...and to your entire family: Walter T. Johnson, Jr. had immense love for you, his family..which is such an enduring and tremendous blessing. May your memories of cherished times with him provide peace and healing. Our family, countless families and communities are grateful (for many decades, now, and perpetually)for his extraordinary leadership and service to Greensboro,the State,Providence Baptist Church, NC A&T State Univ.,Univ. of NC at Greensboro and beyond. May God's supreme love and blessings encourage and be with you, always.- The Dowdy Family...Elizabeth and family, Lewis, Jr. and Pat, Lemuel and Cynthia

- na

With all of his many honors and accomplishments, Walter was always a down to earth person whose laughter was full of joy. Walter valued people no matter their position in life. For that he was admired and respected. He will be truly missed. Juanita Richmond

- na

Walter was one of my very favorite professors!! He was a good friend to the Goins family from his freshman year at A&T with my uncle through later years with my father until now. It was an honor to have known him. My deepest sympathy to the family. Carol Goins

- na

So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family. Love Shelia Trap

- na

We're sorry for your loss, Prayers from the Marcus Trice family

- na

Mrs. Johnson and Family~~We, the children of Mr. Russell W. Barrett-Vivian, Myrtle (Myrt), Eddie Olivia, Rita, and Walter- extend our deepest condolences and prayers to all of you at this most difficult time. We will keep you in our prayers. Myrtle Barrett Soloman and Joe Soloman, Sr.

- na

Walter was a stalwart leader in this community and will be sorely missed. Yvonne, continue to be the strong woman you are and always portray yourself to be. Hang in there and keep on walking with God. Sam and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. God Bless! Samuel and Doris Vincent.

- na

T Johnson and family I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, but know that your love one is resting in our heavenly fathers arms peacefully. WJR

- na

Aunt Yvonne, T, Vernon, Lisa and Shannon, Sorry I won't be there in person for service but I will be there in spirit. Sending my heartfelt condolences, hugs and prayers to you all. He will be greatly missed. Much love, Lillian

- na

Yvonne and Family , please know that the GOD we serve will continue to light the way as the journey continues...Brother W. Ross Boone and Family

- na

Yvonne and family, please know that the God we serve knows best, never makes an error and will continue to watch over you and family while guiding the way into the future as the journey continues...stay strong and safe...W.Ross Boone and Family

- na

To the Family of Walter Johnson: May the peace and comfort of God protect and encourage the family and friends of Walter during this time. The Family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rosanell Sutton & Family

- na

To the Family of Attorney Walter T. Johnston, Jr. To God Be the Glory for your Life's Work. We certainly are appreciative of every aspect of your Contributions to Mankind! Many, Many, Thanks and God Bless!! James E. and Thelma DS Copeland & Family (St. Stephen UCC: Circle 6, Women's Fellowship. Beta Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority)

- na

Walter, is comforted by the love of every angel in heaven for Walter has found everlasting life in the hands of God. The Murphy Family (King Arthur Place)

- na

Yvonne, Penelope and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Walt was my Frat brother, a friend and a client. I will miss the conversations we had over the years and the last time he walked me to my car when I delivered some info to you. God bless you. Oliver and Penelope Bowie.

- na

I extend my deepest condolences to the family for this great loss. I so enjoyed talking with Mr. Johnson during the morning (early) workouts at Hayes-Taylor, attending his son's boxing matches, and talking about Agriculture. He was a Great man and will truly be missed. Sincerely, Paula Faulkner (Greensboro, NCA&T).

- na

My deepest sympathy for your loss of Mr Walter Johnson! I called him this morning, and sent him a message through Facebook. Unaware of his passing, I went on Google looking for a phone number, and there was his picture and obituary. I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to the entire family and community.

- na

My condolences are extended to Yvonne and family. Prayers are also being lifted to the Lord God Almighty on your behalf. May God's all-sufficient grace sustain, comfort and strengthen you. Betty A. Burnett

- na

Our deepest condolences to the Johnson Family. Walter was such a nice caring person. Always with that warm friendly smile. Greensboro will miss this great Man. Love and Prayers. Jerome & Marla SPRUILL

- na

Walter and I were freshmen in 1957 and members of the Class of 1961. We participated in the Sit-Ins of 1960. Our last times together was watching his granddaughters playing basketball. Peace and Love to the Family. Lewis Brandon

- na

A very special man! He will be missed by all who knew him. Yvonne and family my thoughts and prayers for you to find strength in the love and memories you hold forever. Mary Kendrick

- na

To the Johnson family Walter Johnson was a great man, not only to his family but to the community. There was nothing that Mr. Johnson wouldn't do for his community. Always carry a smile with him . Mr Johnson love having fun . He will truly be missed. Sincerely, Terrell and Sharon Milton's

- na

We send our condolences for the Johnson family. Your husband, father, grandfather, Will truly be missed. What an awesome man , that anyone could have asked for. Always the same, always greeted everyone with that awesome smile. Would help anybody if he could. Sincerely , Terrell, Sharon and sons

- na

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Johnson. I worked at Hayes-Taylor YMCA for many years and remember Mr. Johnson's broad smile. I also remember his son "T" as he played on our basketball team. He was the smallest and once one our "Mr. Go Getter" award. Sending prayers and condolences to the family.

- na

The Welfare Reform Liaison Project, Inc. Board of Directors and Staff offer prayers for your family during this time of bereavement. You are in our thoughts and in our hearts.

- na

Yvonne and family Walt had a beautiful smile and will be deeply missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Hold on to those beautiful memories. Jackie, Michael and Chris McMillan

- na

Praying God's comfort for you at this time and in the days to comfort. Sabrena Lea

- na

Your family and Greensboro has lost a vital member of our community. Please accept our condolences and prayers from a member of the the Dudley Class of 1957. Lazelle and Hannah Free

- na

Praying for the Family

- na

To the Johnson family, so sorry to hear of your lost of a great friend and mentor to everyone that knew him. We will keep your in prayer. Ernie and Van Buggs

- na

What a wonderful person GOD created that was able to touch the lives of so many people. May the family remember his love and presence to get through each day. May GOD give comfort to each of you daily. Love: The Ronald E. McNair School- (Family)

- na

Thank you Mr.Johnson for the Knowledge you shared with me.

- na

Praying for your family. Kim Sheppard-Jones

- na

We are appreciating a life well-lived, and — in Quaker-speak — holding all the family in the light. We wish you the comfort that your faith, wonderful memories, and time can bring. Peace. — Pat and Pete Cross

- na

Praying for your family during this time.

- na

Yvonne and Family, Please know that you are not alone in your sadness for your loved one. He meant so much to many and will be deeply missed. Praying that you will find comfort and peace with God's guidance in the days ahead. The Thornhill and Logan Family

- na

Praying for you and your family. May the God of comfort bring you the peace that passes all understanding and the assurance of His loving presence during this time. With heartfelt prayers and sympathy. Roberta Withers and family

- na

You and your family are in my prayers. May the God of comfort bring you the peace that passes all understanding and the assurance during this time. With heartfelt prayers and sympathy.

- na

You and your family are in my prayers. May the God of comfort bring you the peace that passes all understanding and the assurance of His loving presence during this time. With heartfelt prayers and sympathy. Roberta Withers and family

- na

May the God of comfort bring you the peace that passes all understanding and the assurance of His loving presence during this time. You are in my prayers. With heartfelt prayers and sympathy. Roberta Withers and family

- na

To each family member, l express sympathy at the Homegoing of your love one. The impact of his life on me remains a living memory. I pray that you may be comforted daily by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tedd Little, DMin., Pastor (Ret) 3 MU PSI '58

- na

Rest In Power to a trailblazer and Greensboro, NC icon !!! Many blessing to his wife and children and family.

- na

Walter and Yvonne have been dear friends during my entire adult life in Greensboro. I've observed them as they grew their family, worked tirelessly, and focused on creating positive change. Walter always greeted with a smile. His presence will be missed. May peace be with his loving family. EARLEAN MCCOY

- na

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Johnson family. Walter was a mentor and community leader who motivated many along life's journey. He served as a source of pride for African Americans unselfishly answering the call for service in several positions of great responsibility and controversy. Greensboro and indeed the State of North Carolina are better because of the work of Walter Thaniel Johnson. Sylvester & Millicent Daughtry

- na

Mr. J as we at Hayes-Taylor referred to him as was someone we all looked forward to talking with each day. He truly loved his family and spoke often of them. Once we moved to the new facility, our daily discussions we never the same but we have such found memories. Rest In Peace, Mr.J...Alice

- na

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4KVJ May the Love and peace of God comfort you all as you go through this time of bereavement. Hold on to all of your great memories of Mr. Johnson. Love to you all, Cathy Carter

- na

Sending our love and Condolences! Eddie Coleman and Family

- na

No grief allowed, only beautiful memories shared! Peace, Betty Watson

- na

To Vernon and the Johnson Family. Very sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Walter Johnson. We know these are difficult times when you lose a loved one, but he did an outstanding raising his children and was a great husband and die hard AGGIE. He will be surely missed. May the lord be with you and your family. Billy Covington and the staff of Warnersville Recreation Center.

- na

Walter Johnson was special! He loved his family and they were always first! He loved Greensboro and gave his time and energy trying to help make Greensboro the best it could be. We loved him and know that Yvonne and his children will live with the beautiful love and memories that had with him. Henry and Shirley Frye

- na

To the Johnson family,we offer our deepest sympathy, honor your freindship,and will keep you in our prayers. Ben & Dorothy Brown

- na

Praying for the family The Void family 🙏

- na

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

- Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC