Ezell “Tom” Johnson

Brother Ezell “Tom” Johnson was born with a twin sister, Mazell (now deceased), to their parents, Mr. James Johnson, and Mrs. Emmie D. Lewis Johnson on May 17, 1944.

Ezell grew up in rural Jackson County in the Springfield and Jacob communities. He attended school at Springfield Elementary and Saint Paul Elementary in Campbellton, Florida.

At an early age, Ezell confessed Jesus Christ as his Savior and joined Springfield A.M.E Church. He loved gardening and he grew beautiful, healthy vegetables and fruits. Ezell was also employed as a farmer. 

Ezell resided at the Washington Rehab and Nursing Center for sixteen years. While there, he developed relationships with personnel who became his friends and extended family. The staff at the Washington Rehab and Nursing Center, along with providing excellent and professional care, affectionately called Ezell, “Mr. Ezell.” He became skilled at completing complicated puzzles, including 3D. Ezell received special recognition in competitions with other facilities for his artwork and his puzzles. He was recognized as a member of the Washington Rehab and Nursing Center’s Wall of Fame. Ezell received this honor due to his willingness to help others. For example, when residents were going on a trip, Ezell would assist in making sure they were buckled in safely before leaving the facility. In his leisure time, Ezell would visit other residents, engaging in conversation and providing a listening ear. During Ezell’s stay at Washington Rehab and Nursing Center, he was privileged to go on vacations via plane to several notable locations. He visited Boston,Massachusetts; Branson, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and, Washington, D.C. Ezell participated in serving at concession stands for basketball games and baseball games. He loved interacting with the people he met. Ezell was invited on trips to the movies, fishing, and, out to dinner. In the words of the former administrator of WRNC, Brett Brown, “he lived while he was at the center.”

On December 18, 2022, Mr. Ezell was taken gently and quietly into a place where there is no more worry, no more sickness or pain. He stepped aboard that sweet chariot and was gently taken away.

Ezell was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. James Johnsonand Mrs. Emmie D. Johnson, his twin sister, Mazell (Dot) Johnson Gilbert, brothers; R.J. (Bat) Johnson, J.R. (Buddy) Johnson, Jake Johnson, and Andrew Johnson.

Those left to cherish his memories are his children: Queen Sessions, Campbellton, Florida; Shirley Ann Fair (Lee), Fredrick, Maryland; Don Johnson (Yosely), Tampa, Florida. Grandchildren: Demetrius McKinnnie, Gjerith McKinnnie, Resee McKinnie, DeAnte’ Fair, Alexis Fair, Lasandra Saylor, Liana Saylor, and Jose Saylor; eleven great-grandchildren. Sister, Rachel Johnson Tucker, Campbellton, Florida; Brother, Jaries Johnson (Eloise) Cottondale, Florida; Brother, Edward Johnson, Campbellton, Florida; Brother, Eddie Dean Johnson (Pearl), Campbellton, Florida. Sisters-in-law: Sallie R. Johnson, Chipley, Florida; Eula H. Johnson, Jacob City, Florida; Northanner G. Johnson, Jacob City, Florida; special friend/cousin, Wilma Capehart, Campbellton, Florida. Other survivors include a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and numerous friends.

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