Deacon James "Wubut" Wilbert Johnson

Deacon James Wilbert Johnson, Sr. was the eldest child of the late Lorenza & Florine Johnson. He was born May 7, 1930 in Westmoreland County, VA. Some members of his family affectionately called him “Wilbert” but most called him “Wubut”.  He peacefully transitioned to his eternal home Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the Washington Hospital Center. His son “Bird” was his caregiver throughout his lengthy illness.

He received his education at Zacata School in Westmoreland County, VA.  He left home at the age of 14 & moved to Washington, DC.  There he continued his education.

November 19, 1955, he was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Johnson, the daughter of the late Deacon Charlie & Ethel Johnson.  He always boasted about having the best in-laws in the world.  That union produced one son & four daughters.  Residing in Washington, DC, they once lived on the 8th floor of an apartment building on 7th Street, SE & later moved to their permanent home on Lyman Place, NE.

Wilbert worked several jobs until the year 1959 when he became an employee of the United States Postal Services. He was a Mailhandler & after 30 years of dedicated service, he retired March 3, 1989.  There his co-workers & numerous buddies called him “JW” or “Johnson”.  During his breaks, he loved playing checkers; so much so that his supervisor & friend, George Hailey, often told him that he was one of his worse employees.  You see, “JW” developed the habit of extending (often doubling) his 15-minute breaks & George had to personally escort him back to his assignment. He was a member of the postal bowling league & won many trophies to show that he had perfected his skill.

Wilbert was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles Greene. He was spiritually reborn April 19, 1981 while attending the Easter church service at Lyell’s Chapel Baptist Church, Rev. James L. Johnson, Pastor.  He immediately gave up True Blue 2 & picked up the Bible to begin running a different kind of race on Sundays. He then became a member of Delaware Avenue Baptist Church in Washington DC, Rev. Luke Mitchell, Sr., Pastor.  He was a member of the Willing Workers Chorus, the Male Chorus, Helping Hands & the Senior Usher Board. He became a Trustee & was later ordained Deacon January 9, 1988.   He was a prayer warrior & He proudly let everyone know not only that he loved the Lord but how much he loved Him. One of his favorite scriptures was Psalm 100.

Wilbert’s hobbies were racing, fishing & hunting. He drove a taxi cab to support his racing hobby. He refused to spend any of his paycheck for that purpose because he had determined that it was to be used only to financially support his family. He also earned numerous trophies from Longfield Race Track in Colonial Beach, VA, Aquasco Speedway in Aquasco, MD & Capitol Raceway in Crofton, MD.  He was a member of Dixieland Hunt Club in Colonial Beach, VA.  He found joy in sharing his catch with family members & friends. He provided fish for his daughter “Flagg’s” annual fish fry.
He had a loud, thunderous voice that scared all children & intimidated most adults. He was a teaser & could not understand anyone being offended by what he said instead of finding it humorous.

Wilbert was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan.  He enjoyed watching several other sports on TV that included Nascar & National Hot Rod Association races; basketball, golf & tennis. Apart from sports, he loved watching Judge Judy & The Price is Right.

Wilbert was predeceased by his daughter Sandra “Flagg” Johnson, his grandson Calvin “CJ’ Harris, his sister Josepine Brent, his brothers George Johnson, Connie “Ben” Johnson, Warner Weeks & John Clarke.

Left to cherish memories of him are his son, James “Bird” Johnson, Jr., his daughters Shirlene Johnson, Kathy Johnson & Jonelle Johnson-Byrd (Gregory); his grandchildren Tremayne Johnson, Tamara Johnson-Maiden (Dondrae), Chris Johnson, Sr. (Tamara) & Patrice “Prissy” Johnson.  He also has his great-grandchildren Antwon Johnson, Cahlil Johnson, Alonneis Maiden, Caileigh Johnson, Chris Johnson, Jr. & Le’a Johnson.  He is survived by his siblings Beatrice Tate (Rhoda), Lorenzo ”Son” Johnson (Dorris), Lucille Tate, Maggie Jason, Herman Johnson (Audrey), Vivian Conley, Doris Lewis (Sylvester), Ester Robinson (John), Malinda McCray (Lewis), Louise Wilson, Martha Clarke & Eugene Clarke; his sisters-in law Louise Pearson (Edward), Lois Johnson & his brothers-in-law Charles Johnson (Elnora) & William Johnson (Marion). He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends

Home going services for James Wilbert Johnson will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Little Zion Baptist Church, 7748 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, 1126 Stratford Hall Road, Montross, Virginia.

Mr. Johnson may be viewed from 4PM until 6PM on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 10AM until service time at Little Zion Baptist Church.

Mandatory masks and temperature checks will be required.

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