Henry Lee Johnson was born June 25, 1925 in Pattison, Mississippi to Andrew and Betty Johnson. At a young age he joined and served in the United States Navy during WWII. While on active duty he met and fell in love with Bessie Mae Alston, whom he married and they settled in New York City.
Henry and Bessie became proud parents of three children. He worked in the field of transportation on the docks of New Jersey where he would eventually retire in 1991. An avid game player, Henry loved bowling, bid whist, and dominoes. Known for his whit, charm and laughter, Henry was a friend to many. As a deeply spiritual man, Henry loved God and prayed daily. In September 2005, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to live with his daughter.
On September 30, 2012, Henry went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His wife of 50 years Bessie, his parents Andrew and Betty Johnson, his seven siblings and one grandson preceded him in death.
Left to cherish his memories is his children Anthony Johnson of Queens, NY (son), Judy Graves of NYC, NY (daughter), and Jill Weaver of Atlanta, GA (daughter). Six grandsons, Charles Johnson, Sebastian Weaver, Jarrette Johnson, Quintin Haynes, Uriah Johnson, and Demel Graves, all of Atlanta, GA and two granddaughters, Jenese Johnson of Atlanta, GA and Melissa Graves of NYC, NY. He leaves fifteen great-grandchildren who called him Poppy. Also left to cherish his memory are a host of nieces and nephews from Port Gibson, MS, sisters-in-law, and friends in New York and Atlanta. He also leaves behind the person he loved in his later years, Doris Hicks.