Reverend Wendell A. Johnson , a native of Richmond, Virginia, was the youngest of four children born to the late William and Lottie Johnson. He attended the public schools of Henrico County, Virginia. He continued his education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Government and a Master of Divinity degree from the School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. Before answering his call to the ministry, he was a faithful member of the Gravel Hill Baptist Church.

Reverend Johnson faithfully served as pastor of several congregations, including Union Baptist Church in Quinton, Virginia; Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia; and First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In addition, he served with the American Baptist Churches USA as President of the ABC of the South, President of the Ministers Council USA, General Board Member, and Mission Consultant.

A passionate missionary, Reverend Johnson shared the gospel through extensive mission work in South and Central Africa and in El Salvador, spreading the Word of Jesus Christ to countless lives across the globe.

He also gave of his time and talents locally, serving on the Church Relations Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Hanover County, Virginia, and as Assistant Manager of the Habitat ReStore.

Since August 1, 2006, Reverend Johnson faithfully led the congregation of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his father, William H. Johnson; mother, Lottie B. Johnson; brother, Harold Johnson; sister, Joyce Anderson; and aunt, Josephine Bigger.

Wendell leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Rita Rustin Johnson; their daughter, Karen L. Durham; and son, Marcus W. Johnson, Sr. (Nicole). He was the proud grandfather of four; K'Nycha (Damond), Kirkland, Marcus Jr. (Jude), and Jordan; and great-grandfather to five; Kaycyn, Jakson, Jamyr, Maveric, and Kobe.

He is also survived by one brother, William P. Johnson (Theresa); devoted cousin, Margaret Bigger; two brothers-in-law, Vernon Rustin and Kenneth Rustin; a special and devoted aunt, Edwina Jones; and a host of other relatives, church family, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

We will remember all the fond memories and thank God for your life, your love, and your faithful service. You are now resting in the arms of Jesus, free from all the cares of this world. We will love and miss you always.

In Lieu of Flower donation can be made to the

W.A. Johnson Memorial Fund

Jerusalem Baptist Church, (Norfolk)

718 Tidewater Dr,

Norfolk, Virginia 23504