Henry Johnson, Sr.

For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

Henry Nathan Johnson, Sr. passed away on Saturday June 2, 2018 at the age of 91. Henry was born on April 16, 1927 in Martin, Tennessee to Samuel Jones and Gladys Carlton Johnson.  He grew up living in the country outside of Martin on a dairy farm and he graduated from Martin High School.  He loved his country and proudly served during World War II in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Hornet CV-12.  His ship was assigned to Task Force 58, which was the main striking force of the United States Navy in the Pacific War from January 1944 through the end of the war in August 1945.  After the war, he received the Asiatic-Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal for his service.  He returned home and entered the University of Tennessee in Martin receiving a degree in Business.  He met the love of his life, Martha Jo, in 1951 and they wed after dating six weeks.   Henry began his life-long career in finance as an Assistant Manager with Industrial Finance and Thrift, and being diligent he worked his way up to Regional Vice-President of J.P. Morgan & Chase; which brought him and the family to New Orleans in 1967.   Desiring to return to country life, he finally retired and he and Martha made their final move to Folsom, Louisiana.   Henry and Martha Jo had a deep faith and love for the Lord and faithfully served in every church wherever they lived.  He was a devoted husband and father and loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything else.   Henry will be remembered for his sense of humor, his infectious laugh, his booming voice, and his ability to spin a tale.  He never met a stranger and his quick wit and warmth quickly made lasting friends of anyone he met.  He always put the needs of others first and his generous heart wanted to help anyone in any way he could.   He will be missed but not forgotten by those he left behind.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife and “sweetheart” of 65 years, Martha Jo Harkey Johnson, a daughter, Linda Jo Johnson Patterson, his brother Samuel Johnson and parents Samuel Jones and Gladys Johnson.    He is survived by sons, Nathan (Meredith) Johnson, Keith (Mary) Johnson and a daughter, Tricia Sparks (Les).   Ten grandchildren: Reyne (John) Galey, Rebekah (Jason) Smith, Rachel (Shaun) Glynn, Kenny (Paula) Carter, David (Paige) Carter, Jessie (Larry) Stewart, Sam Stanford,   Shelby (Kelly) Johnson, Lindsey (Dillon) Kenny, and Leslie Ann Sparks.   Seventeen great grandchildren Abigail and Luke Galey,  Caitlyn, Nathan, Everhett, and Meredith Smith,  Madisan, Montana, and Michael Glynn,  Kendol Carter,  Coleman, Harper and Mary Collins Carter,  Lainey and Logan Stewart, Raegan Stanford,  and Wyatt Johnson.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Wednesday June 6, 2018 at 12:00 pm at Red Bluff Baptist Church, 15204 LA-1078, Folsom, LA 70437.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until service time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Red Bluff Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Bogue Falaya Cemetery.  Bagnell & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.