Robert Gerald Johnson|
Robert Gerald Johnson
Gerald was born Dec. 26, 1951, and died Feb. 22, 2016. He married Sara Ann Bass on Jan. 8, 1971.
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Gerald Johnson's children with Ann Bass |
| Denise Amy Johnson Peedin |
Gerald Johnson stands with mother Frances Johnson, wife Ann Johnson and granddaughter Carly Peedin at the 2005 Stancil Reunion.
Family archives
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Gerald, the oldest son of the late William Robert and Mary Frances Pope Johnson, was born Dec. 26, 1951.
Gerald grew up on a tobacco farm in Johnston County, near Selma, North Carolina. He learned to work hard from an early age. Tobacco was labor-intensive, and as the oldest son, he had lots of responsibilities. His dad depended on him.
When quite young, he drove the two-level tobacco harvester in the field. The tobacco stringers were on this level.
He soon graduated to sitting and cropping the tobacco on the first level of the harvester. Growing tobacco took most of the year from planting seeds in January, preparing the land, setting out the plants, re-setting, hoeing, suckering, harvesting, curing, grading, tying hands, and taking them to market in the fall.
Once grown, Gerald grew his own tobacco crop for a while.
Gerald’s parents were members of Carter’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, and Gerald joined too. He was an active member for more than 50 years. He served as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Leader, and member of the Men’s Brotherhood.
Gerald had a special companion, his dog “Dee.”
Gerald was a genuinely happy person and had a smile for everyone. He was an upbeat, happy person whose interest and love for people lifted spirits.
Ann and Gerald Johnson at the 2000 Stancil Reunion.
Family archives
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Gerald died on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in the SECU (State Employees' Credit Union) Hospice House of Smithfield, N.C.
His funeral service was Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Carter’s Chapel Church. The Rev. Tim Sitter and Elder Harold Pittman officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sara Ann Bass Johnson, daughter Denise Amy Johnson Peedin, husband Shannon, granddaughters: Carly Sara Peedin and Chloe Elizabeth Peedin. Sisters: Connie Johnson Moore, husband Ray; Marsha Johnson Barfield; Renee Johnson Futch, husband Chris. Brother: Joseph Raymond Johnson. Nieces: Dodie Moore Headley, husband Cole, children: Grayson and Lanie; Lydia Futch. Nephews: Brandon Johnson, wife Jamie, children Colby and Caylee; Kevin Hartley, wife Brenda, children: Kassi, Trinity, and Kendal. Aunts: Betty Lou Hare Pope, Carol A. Pope. Uncle: Marshall Barnes Pope, wife Jean.
Gerald was preceded in death by brother-in-law: Aubrey Kent Barfield. Uncles: Raymond Eugene 'Gene' Pope, and wife Grace, Charles Ray Pope, Henry 'Speck' Claiborne Pope, and wife Carol Ann. First cousin: Randy Nelson 'Newt' Pope.
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