Mr. R. V. ("Bob") Johnson

Mr. R. V. Johnson was born on August 1, 1946, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to the late R. J. Johnson and Minnie Lee (Leggett) Johnson. R. V. was the fourth child, and he and his siblings were known as the “Mighty Six.”

The family moved, and R. V. graduated from York Westend High School in York, Alabama.  After graduating, R. V. relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at the downtown Woolworth Store. He made his home in St. Louis and would eventually have a 32-year career with Chrysler. Missouri is the Show Me State and is where R. V. found the love of his life - Cora Mae Watson. The two married on April 19, 1975, and to their union, three children were born.  R. V. eventually retired and enjoyed his 55 years of contributions to the workforce.  

R. V. confessed his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Union Tabernacle M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend Lewis T. Shelton.  He loved to sing and was a member of the choir.  He was a very wise man and had many talents. R. V. truly believed in and lived in the Civil Rights Movement. He was blessed and proud to have marched for equal rights under the law with the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. He was an advocate for black freedom and thrived off the achievements of the youth of his family. He loved to share and enlighten his family on what he would say was the “Real Black History.”

R. V. fulfilled his role as a devoted husband and a family man. He enjoyed any time spent with family and friends. He loved cooking, singing, and entertaining his family.  R. V. had such a funny, bubbly soul and laughter was required if you were around him. His favorite gospel quartet was the Canton Spirituals and his favorite song was “Heavenly Choir,” which he now sings with and attends rehearsals regularly. R. V. had many words of knowledge and sayings he would use including, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything,” and his favorite, “Good God from Zion,” which he used often when he was feeling real good or received good news or a good “word” in church.

R. V. was preceded in death by his parents R. J. and Minnie Lee Johnson; sister, Earlie King; and brother, Robert Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted and loving wife of 45 years, Cora Johnson; three children, Anthony (Nora), La’Tasha (Sontos) and Trestica (Falkis); eight grandchildren, Jerrica (Demil), Ja’Tasha, Anastasia (Justin), Dariel (Deontae), Keywannee (David), Mackenzie (Treyvon), Jayden, and Jacory; eight great-grandchildren, Jayla, D’Shuni, Jamari, Aubreigh, David Jr., Kahari, Rye’lee, and Treshun; two sisters, Luvenia and Clara (Tom); one brother, Walter (Jeanette); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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