Gilbert A. Johnson

Loving, mentor, nurturer, singer, leader, role model, devoted father, husband all describe Gilbert Arnold Johnson, son of the late Rev. Charles and Margaret (Stewart) Johnson, who was born on March 14, 1942, at home in Sheridan, (Lebanon County) PA. He attended Newmanstown and James Buchanan Schools and graduated from ELCO in 1960 from the Newmanstown High School location. He received his Associates Degree in 1976 in Applied Sciences from Reading Area Community College. Gilbert was retired from Carpenter Technology in February 1999 and often spent his time volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Gilbert was baptized at St. Johns AME Church in Lebanon and received Christ at an early age at that church under the leadership of the Spirit where William S. White was the pastor. He was active in YPD and other children's activities of the church. It was here that his love of music was born as he heard his father's group, The Jubilee Singers, and his mother's group, The Stewart Singers, a minister in acapella music. Later, in Mercersburg, PA, under the tutelage of his father, he sang Bass or Tenor in the Johnson Family Singers as they ministered in acapella music in the churches Rev. Johnson pastured and surrounding churches. He learned and played the trombone as a means of learning to read music. Still later, he and his aunt Carol Hayes traveled around Berks County where Gilbert sang solos. He was much requested and admired for his ministry. Now he sings with the angels. He was a member of Bethel AME Church in Reading, PA for over 40 years where he raised his family. He was a member of the Trustee Board, the Senior Choir, and the Men's Ensemble. On August 22, 1964, he was married to the love of his life Frances (Richardson) Johnson with whom he had 4 daughters: Karin Johnson (Dave Pitchford), Angela Johnson Norris (Willie), Yolanda Nelson, (Tarus), Carmen Aton. Nine Grandchildren: Shayla Hughley, Courtney Hayes, James Michael Hayes, Olivia Hughley, Tarus Nelson, Jr., Asia Nelson, Amarri Aton, Tiye-Ialiyah Aton, Jaire Aton and three great-grandchildren Maelie and Kaiyah Hayes and Nasir Hughley. He loved God, his family, and music. On June 24, 2017, at 11:00 p.m., he transitioned from this life to Glory surrounded in song by his loving family. Now he is resting in the arms of the Master singing with that heavenly choir. He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Margaret Johnson. He leaves to remember him 5 sisters, Constance Louise Johnson Burke (John, decd.), Kathryn Charliese Johnson Murphy (Willie), Ruth Johnson McNeil (Robert, decd.), Carol Ann Johnson Hunter (Donald), and Shirley Jean Johnson Wilkerson (Terry), and 3 brothers Stewart W. L. (Miriam), Robert W. (Valora), and Clifford W. (Kathy) and a host of nieces and nephews who meant the world to him and have special memories. Yet surviving, the family acknowledges Charles White maternal uncle and Lois Stockton, Carol Hayes and Catherine Harewood paternal aunts. As well as father-in-law Ernest Richardson and mother-in-law Thelma Richardson, and a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends. He loved us well. We love him still. Your work here on earth is done. Rest on in peace.