Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. | GA

Obituary For Senator Leroy R. Johnson

Senator Leroy R. Johnson, Esq. passed October 24, 2019 at the Harbor Grace Hospice, Atlanta Medical Center. Born in Atlanta on July 28, 1928 to the proud parents of Leroy I. Johnson and Elizabeth Heard Johnson, the “Grady Baby” shared a close bond with one sibling, the late Lillian Earlene Johnson Mitchell.

Growing up in the heart of the City of Atlanta, Senator Johnson attended Walker Street Elementary School and earned his high school diploma from the historic, Booker T. Washington High School. After graduating, Senator Johnson arrives on the hallowed campus of Morehouse College with purpose.

Johnson earned a Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College in 1949, and a Master’s degree from Atlanta University (now known as Clark Atlanta University). He served as a history teacher at his high school alma mater before attending law school.

It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, a Spelman student, Cleopatra Whittington. The two were married in 1948 and became the proud parents of one son, the late Michael Vince Johnson, PhD in 1950. They were married for 71 years.

After receiving his law degree, Johnson became the first African American to be hired by the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office (now known as the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office). He served as a Criminal Investigator for the office from 1957-1962.

In 1962, Johnson became the first elected African American senator in the State of Georgia, and in the south since Reconstruction. Just a year later in 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed the Senator as the Special Ambassador to Zanzibar, Africa. Ambassador Johnson accompanied all of the special dignitaries on Air Force One to the Zanzibar Independence Ceremonies that same year. In 1968, the Senator was appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee. By 1970, Senator Johnson managed to do what was considered impossible in both the legal and world of sports. Attorney Johnson represented the internationally known boxing phenom, Muhammad Ali, and helped him regain his boxing license. The fight was held in Atlanta on October 26, 1970.

Johnson’s likeness hangs in the halls of power in the State of Georgia’s Capitol near the Senate Chambers, and in the Martin Luther King’s Chapel International Hall of Honor at Morehouse College.

Cherishing his memory is his devoted wife, Dr. Cleopatra Johnson; granddaughters, Victoria Michelle Frazier, Melani Lauren Johnson, and Melissa Cleopatra Johnson; great-granddaughter, Sydney Michelle Frazier, and a host of family, friends, and colleagues.

Senator Johnson will lie in repose at the Georgia State Capitol, on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. until 7:30 P.M., with a program hosted by the esteemed Governor, the Honorable Brian Kemp. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, 101 Jackson St. NE, Atlanta, GA, Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, officiating.

Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel. (404) 758-1731

Guest Book

I was honored to be elected to the Georgia State Senate along with Senator Leroy Johnson. We became vary close friends and worked together for the good of the City of Atlanta and State of Georgia. He was shunned at first by many legislators who could not yet believe that the age of segregation was ending. Soon however, his calm, confident and wise efforts were recognized by more and more legislators until finally he became a leader in the State Senate widely respected by all. He was a true statesman. One of the great privileges of my life was serving with him and being his friend. I send my deepest condolences to his dear wife, also my friend, and his family. --- James P. Wesberry, Jr., Quito, Ecuador

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With deep sympathy and love, may God grant you comfort and sustain you at this time of such great loss. 2Corinthians 1;3, 4 - Jean Anderson

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Our deepest condolences to the Johnson Family. We were neighbors of the Johnson's on Larchmont Drive for many years and share many memories! My parents are not able to attend the services but wanted to extend their deepest condolences to the entire Johnson family. Dedra Burford (Joe and Jean Burford)

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Deepest Sympathy to the Johnson Family. May the "God of all comfort, comfort your family and friends" (2 Cor. 1:3,4).

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So sorry for your loss. He will truly be missed. So glad to have had the opportunity to know him and work with him at Ebenezer.

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I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Johnson family. May those precious memories of your dear loved one Leroy be foremost in your hearts and minds along with this wonderful promise that our creator made to us at Revelation 21 v 4 and the marvelous guarantee in verse 5. Again, my sincere condolences. MB

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Reflecting on all the wonderful way you served at a Senator and beyond. Things would not be as they are available to us if it had not been for your courage and dedication to the cause. Bless you and your family.

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To the Johnson Family: Psalm 90:10 tells us "The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong." As you celebrate a life well-lived and loved (91 years), may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter as you recall all the good times you shared together. My condolences, S. Acker

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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.

- Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc.