Elder Leslie C. Johnson (LC) was born to the late Elder Labor and Clara (Cook) Johnson on the 2nd day of November 1934 in Albany, New York. He was educated in the Albany Public School System and went onto Vesper George School of Arts in Boston, MA obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Design. He later returned to Albany, NY to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Visual Arts.
Elder Johnson was employed by many and retired from the State University of New York at Albany Graphics Department in 1992 with over thirty years of service. Upon his retirement he started his small business Johnson’s Designs where he would create and hand design merchandise for family reunions, political campaigns, conference retreats, schools, and churches. His most used design is the NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. He also was a free-lance photographer for weddings and family portraits.
In 1955, Leslie met his loving wife Marguerite. They shared 64 years of holy matrimony and to this union three children were born; James E. Johnson, Adrienne L. Johnson and Jeffrey L. Johnson. He opened his home to nurture and raise a few of his nephews and several foster children.
Elder Johnson was a loyal servant of God. He was a devout member of Wilborn Temple First Church of God In Christ of over 87 years and enjoyed sharing the word with all he encountered. Under the leadership of the late Bishop William Wilborn he served as Superintendent of Sunday School, served on the Usher board and was a member of the Gospel Choraliers. He was ordained a minister under the late Emmett H. Jeffries where he was appointed to serve as the Junior Church Pastor. He attended the Moody Bible Institute and the New York Theology Institute, as well as, journeyed to the Holy Land in the mid 70’s.
LC was known for walking everywhere, he loved to travel, read religious books, indulge in thought provoking conversation, and fix household items where he later was coined with the names: Jack, Papa, and Papa Jack. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his ability to make everyone laugh and wearing his favorite Clemson hat/shirt to spark conversation.
Elder Leslie C. Johnson joins his parents: Elder Labor and Clara (Cook) Johnson, brother: John E. Johnson and sister: Ezella Marable who preceded him in Heaven.
Elder Leslie C. Johnson is survived by many loving family members, which include his wife Marguerite Winston Johnson; 3 children; James E. Johnson, Adrienne L. Johnson both of Schenectady, NY and Jeffrey L. Johnson of Troy, NY. 6 grandchildren; Tiffany Hall of Charlotte, NC, Tenille Nieckarz of Colonie, NY, Marshae White of Winston, GA., Na’Shaiah Johnson, Brionna Neal and Malcolm Johnson of Schenectady, NY. 10 Great-Children and one on the way.
His foster children: Stacey Thompson, Carla D. McClain, Tonya Hines, Deborah Lee, Janie Dempsey, Ronald Cartwright, Steven McCray, Alisha Ellison (deceased) and his loving God-Children: Sharon Rogers, Darlene Dees, Andre & Sean Gary, Marcus Miesel, Jaleesa Horton and Velton Cade.
In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in his memory.
The Community Hospice Foundation at:
www.givetocommunityhospice.org
Amyloidosis Foundation at:
www.secure.qgiv.com
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