A Celebration of Life Service for Calvin Crawford Johnson, Jr. will be on Thursday, January 26, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 6175 Campbellton Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331. A Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Alfonso Dawson Mortuary.
HIS STORY:
Calvin Crawford Johnson, Jr. passed away on January 17 in Kennesaw, Georgia at the age of 65. Calvin was a bright spirit who lit up every space he entered, a kind friend who never hesitated to reach out a helping hand, and an effective advocate who fought tirelessly for the rights of the wrongfully convicted.
Calvin was born to Calvin Crawford Johnson, Sr and Jo Ann Jones Johnson in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up alongside his sisters, Judith Cheryl Johnson Hill, and Tara Ann Johnson Burkett. He moved to Atlanta with his family at the age of 13. He is a 1975 graduate of Southwest High School and achieved a degree in Mass Communications from Clark Atlanta University. He worked at MARTA in Atlanta for over 23 years, holding many different roles including Station Manager and Acting Superintendent of Station Services and Rail Transportation. Calvin was a loving father to his daughter, Brianna Jo Ann Johnson.
Calvin was the first person in Georgia to be exonerated by DNA evidence in 1999 (with the help of the Innocence Project) after spending 16 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. In the years after his release Calvin partnered closely with the Innocence Project and the Georgia Innocence Project and fought passionately alongside them to help and correct wrongful convictions. He published a memoir titled βExit to Freedom,β served on the inaugural board of directors for the Innocence Project in New York, and served as Chair of the board of directors for the Georgia Innocence Project. He also testified before legislative committees and met with and won over many government leaders in advocating for reform of the criminal legal system. Calvin was a leader in his community and was always the first to offer a listening ear and helping hand as a mentor to dozens of newly released exonerees. Calvin was a captivating storyteller who shared his stories with tens of thousands of people over the years in classrooms, at national conferences, and on television and radio. He had a contagious laugh, an unmatched warmth, and an uncanny ability to connect with anyone and everyone he met, which made him an impactful advocate, mentor, and friend.
Calvin is survived by his daughter, Brianna Jo Ann Johnson; his sisters, Judith Cheryl Johnson Hill, and Tara Ann Johnson Burkett; Brother-in-law Eric Vincent Hill; nephews, Stephen Charles Johnson, Anthony Napoleon Burkett, Michael David Burkett; 2 grand nephews and 2 grand nieces; aunt Nancy Clipper; and partner Denise Brown.
Joseph Thompson sent Serenity Wreath for Calvin Crawford Johnson, Jr. - January 23, 2023
Our thoughts are with you during this time. Calvin's life will continue to inspire our work freeing the wrongfully convicted and reforming the criminal justice system. From the Innocence Project.
Maurice Pitts sent Faithful Wishes Wreath for Calvin Crawford Johnson, Jr. - January 23, 2023
Frank & Diane Pitts and Family.
Remembering all of the Love that We Shared as a Family
Healing Thoughts Arrangement was sent for Calvin Crawford Johnson, Jr. - January 22, 2023
nancy l clipper planted 5 trees in memory of Calvin Crawford Johnson, Jr. . - January 23, 2023
I met Calvin C. Johnson, Jr. for the first time on Nov. 20, 2019 at Fresh to Order restaurant at Cumberland Mall. He greeted me with that big beautiful smile and a single rose. We talked like we had known each other for years. I had previously told him that I was a slow eater so he paced eating his food so we could finish at the same time. I thought that was so sweet. We were from the same town, Cincinnati, Ohio and our father's first name was Calvin. We both felt we were meant to be. Calvin was such a wonderful, kind, generous and very thoughtful man who everyone loved when they met him. He loved the Lord and we made sure that we prayed everyday. My heart is broken but I know God makes no mistakes. I am so grateful for the precious times we shared together. I miss you terribly Honey Bear and will love you forever. Your Sugar Plum Denise Brown
To the Johnson family that we love so very dearly! We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Calvin, to his friends & associates. We pray he is resting in the arms of our Lord! May he always Rest in Peaceππ½ππ½.
The Williams Family
May the precious memories of Calvin (CC) bring peace and comfort to the Johnson Family. Peace Be With Youππ½
May the precious memories of Calvin bring peace and comfort to the Johnson family in the days ahead. Peace Be With Youππ½
May the precious memories of Calvin bring peace & continue in the days ahead. Peace Be With All the Johnson Family. ππ½
It's with such great regret that I am writing this as this truly saddens me. To know Calvin is to love Calvin, I enjoyed the time I had working with him. His smile could never be forgotten, so rest well sir, job well done. Comeca and DeCorey Bolton
That laugh, that walk, that personality was so rare and so rich, that only a rare and rich in spirit man could possess them. May you rest in peace Mr. Calvin Johnson. I also send words of comfort to your family and friends who love you and will miss you. Peace and Blessings, Solanke
We are going to miss your light that you brought us with your smile and your wittiness, I remember everytime you see me Calvin you always ask me Ms. Pough did you ride your motorcycle today or when the last time you rode that bike and we would always laugh about it, we will definitely miss you at Marta Family Love and peace to the family Ms. Pough
On the phone he would always say "Calvin C Johnson Jr" and seemed kind. Then when you've met him in person you realize he had a big heart and a great personality. My Condolences. FrancΓ³is
Condolences and prayers to the family and Ms Brown! Calvin and Denise Brown were our couple friends so many wonderful memories all filled with joy and laughter. He will be missed! Praying for comfort and peace! Phil and Denise
On the phone he would always say "Calvin C Johnson Jr" and seemed kind. Then when you've met him in person you realize he had a big heart and a great personality. My Condolences.
May the light of your life shine through the one's that are left behind. May God bless the family.
My condolences to the Johnson family. May GOD strengthen your hearts and mind. Mr. Johnson will not be forgotten. RIH. ππΎπ Prince
God has called home an Angel, Calvin C. Johnson Jr. his soul's got a shepherd in the valley and he shall not want. What a wonderful man, with a beautiful spirit and a warm heart. Rest easy on the other side. My condolences to the family.
Letrice Watkins
My condolences to the Johnson family. My heart is heavy knowing a great man has passed away. Working and talking with Mr Johnson was always a joy. Rest in peace my Brotha. Sincerely LeRoy Cummings Jr
Please know that Dennis and I loved Calvin dearly. He was always joy and a smile for everyone around him.He was more than a friend he was family to us. And will be dearly missed. Prayers are with you Dennis and Brenda Perry
Words cannot express the sorrow we are experiencing as we mourn the passing of our dear friend and former next door neighbor Calvin Johnson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they go through this most difficult time. Roland and Beverly Flowers
His energy and spirit entered a room, before he actually did. He was, and will continue to be, a magnetic inspiring man. The moments we shared are the moments kept forever. My many memories of CC, will forever be treasured .
Aunt Nancy
Rest in peace. Gerelle.
This completely breaks my heart. Calvin was one of the first exonerees I met when I joined the IP. He always stopped by to say hello to me when he was in the office. We often spoke at the network conferences. It was such a pleasure to see him at our last Gala. It had been at least 2 years since we seen each other. One of the most genuine men you can ever meet. I'm honored to have known him. I will miss him dearly. ππΎ
Calvin was a gentle, kind, caring man! My heart aches for this loss of a man! He will be truly missed. May the Peace of God be with you Denise, and the Family during this time of grief and lossβ€οΈβοΈππ½ππ½ππ½ππ½
We are sadden to hear of the passing of Calvin.He was a wonderful man, and made a difference in so many lives. Our hearts go out to the family at this time, and may your faith, provide you comfort. May GOD bless you all. Love, Linda (Jones) Combs and Larry COMBS.
What an exemplary role model for all of us to strive to emulate. Your dedication, persistence and caring attitude to help others is astounding and worthy of recognition. You stood tall, Cousin Calvin in the midst of unbelievable times. We now celebrate and honor your exceptional life. Prayers to your family during this difficult time. Ellinor J Washington
You'll truly be missed love forever
You'll truly be missed. Forever love -india
Mr. Johnson will be missed by so many people. His energy and contagious smile will be missed at Marta. I do hope your family are able to find some peace and are comforted by all the outpourings of love for Mr. Johnson. My condolences.
D. Dykes
Thank you Bro Calvin for always staying positive and being an influence to others that falsely accused of a crime that didn't commit. And being also outstanding co worker that I had the pleasure of knowing as well. So rest in peace my brother. I
Mr."J",THAT WHAT I CALL HIM,HE WAS MY MENTOR AT MARTA,HE WILL BE DEARLY MISS π
Rip. It was such a pleasure to work with you. You will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace Mr.Johnson a great guy,and a pleasure to work with and get to know, take your rest and job well done.
Rest in Peace Mr.Johnson a great guy,and a pleasure to work with and get to know, take your rest and job well done.
I met Calvin a couple times through Denise, they were alway smiling and happy. Denise I know Calvin brought a lot of joy to your life. My prayers are with the Crawford family and Denise. May the peace of God be will you all. Bridgett Greene
To the family of Calvin, I knew Calvin through my sister, Denise Brown. He was a very caring and compassionate man. I'm praying for peace and comfort during this time. RIH
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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