Deacon Ross Matthew Johnson, Sr: departed this life on October 1, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. He was the second child and only son born to the union of the late Matthew Johnson and Lillie Mae Sowels-Johnson on April 3, 1935, in Longview, Texas, Gregg County.
Ross received his formal education in the Gregg County School District. During his life’s journey, he and his family relocated to Fort Worth, TX. in 1946, where he attended and graduated from I.M. Terrell High School.
As his life’s journey continued, me met and married the late Emma Dawkins. To this union. two children were born. His journey led him from Fort Worth, TX to Denver, Colorado where he met his companion. the late Clara Camack, to which three children were born. After reestablishing his roots in Fort Worth. TX, he met and married the late Earnestine Taylor-Johnson. To this union two children were born.
After marrying the late Earnestine Taylor-Johnson, he joined her in worshipping the Lord and united with the Samaria Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor J.R. Evans. He was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of the late Senior Pastor of Samaria Baptist Church, McKinley Jackson.
He continued his service to the Lord at Samaria Baptist Church under the current pastor. Dr. W. McKinley Jackson, where he was affectionately known as Deacon Johnson.
With over 50 years of service to the Lord and the Samaria Baptist Church, Deacon Johnson and his wife, the late Earnestine Taylor-Johnson, was led by the Holy Spirit to seek the blessings of their pastor, Dr. W. McKinley Jackson to become Missionary members of God’s House NonDenominational Church, where their son, Pastor Anthony Carter was the founding pastor. Deacon and Sister Johnson departed from Samaria Baptist Church for a season, where they helped the members of the newly organized church learn the ways and precepts of the Word of God.
Even as Deacon Johnson’s health started to decline, he remained resolute to his calling and commission to minister as a deacon. He served tirelessly at God’s House under the leadership of Pastors Anthony Carter, Wallace Hall, Lance Williams, Early Jackson, and currently, Thomas Risher.
Deacon Johnson was a strong supporter of pastors with his witness from the pews, that could be heard with a thunderous laughter of “say it suh” and “yes suh” to good preaching. His witness resonated loudly throughout the sanctuary. He served his post as a deacon until his health wouldn’t allow him to do so anymore.
The final requests of both the late Deacon and Sister Johnson were to return to Samaria Baptist Church for their Homegoing Celebrations, where their Pastor, Dr. W. McKinley Jackson would officiate.
Deacon Ross Matthew Johnson, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew Johnson and Lillie Mae Sowels-Johnson; sisters, Lillie Mae Johnson-Smith and Barbara Johnson-Cannon: a stepson, Alton Earl Carter: a son, Michael Camack; a stepdaughter, Brenda Faye Carter-Wilburn; and great-great grandchildren, Mackenlie Benson and Caiden Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his children, Tonya Johnson and Pastor Darrell Johnson, of McKinney. TX, Eugene Smith (Misty) and Harold Camack, of Denver. CO. Barbara Johnson. of Fort Worth, TX, and Pastor Ross M. Johnson, Jr., of New Orleans, LA: his stepchildren, Arma Carter.
Albert Carter (Vickie), Anita Carter, Audrey Carter, and Pastor Anthony Carter, all of Fort Worth. TX: iwenty-nine grandchildren, sixty-nine great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
