Mr. Earl Johnson, Sr.

It is with deepest sympathy that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc announces the transition of Mr. Earl Johnson, Sr. of Darlington. Mr. Johnson transitioned on Friday morning, October 23, 2020 in the comfort of his home with his beloved wife, Mrs. Hilda Johnson and loving daughter, Carole Johnson Jones by his side. 

There will be a family only / private graveside service on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 2:00PM in Faith Memorial Gardens, same resting place for Earl Jr.  

A viewing will take place Friday, October 30, 2020 at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. from Noon to 5pm

Life’s  Reflections     ​

    Mr. Earl Augustus Johnson, Sr. peacefully transitioned on Friday, October 23, 2020, surrounded by loved ones at his home.Born, March 17, 1926, in Darlington, SC, he was the last living sibling of the union shared by Reese and Florence Tony Parrott-Johnson, and of the beautifully blended Johnson-Parrott family of 18 siblings.

    He was educated in the public schools of Darlington Countyand was a proud graduate of Mayo High School in 1942. 

    After years of working as a brick mason in the private sector, Earl obtained his professional certification from Clemson University and became a masonry instructor. He was a talented craftsman who made significant contributions to the people and institutions in Darlington County. His teaching career began at Mayo High School and later transitioned to the Darlington Career Center. He also served as a masonry instructor atFlorence-Darlington Technical College. Having taught in both traditional and non-traditional educational programs, he becamean integral part of the development and implementation of a masonry program at the Darlington County Prison Farm through the Darlington County Adult Education program. He retired from education after 18 productive and rewarding years.

Earl was a communitarian. He was a dedicated and committed member of St. James United Methodist Church where he tirelessly served in many capacities. In appreciation of this service, he was honored as “Man of the Year” in 1993 and recognized through the Hearts Alive program in 2012. 

    In 1986, he was elected as a member of the Darlington City Council where he proudly served the residents of Ward 2.  During his tenure, he served as Mayor pro tem of the City ofDarlington for nine years. Earl served on the Board of Directors of the Darlington Community Action Agency and was a member of the Darlington Memorial Cemetery Association. 

    Earl’s civic affiliations span a variety of humanitarianprinciples. He was a member of Pee Dee United Elk Lodge #1679, the American Legion Post #210, and a lifetime member of Friendship Masonry Lodge #17.  He was a member of the Pride of Darlington #88 of the Eastern Stars, a 32nd degree Mason member of the Pee Dee Consistory #197, and a noble of the Mystic Shrine Crescent Temple #148. He was also a longstanding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

     Earl enjoyed working with people, especially young people. When presented with the opportunity to mentor a student at Darlington Junior High, he did not hesitate.  Little did he know the impact the program would have on him and his special mentee, Tia Copeland. He was recognized by the Cities InSchools program for excellent mentorship and continued to counsel his mentee to graduation and beyond.

    Music was an important part of Earl’s life as he was quite an accomplished musician! He was the drummer for several area bands across the Pee Dee.  

Earl lived a full life of love and joy! Entertaining and having a good time with family and friends were the delights of his heart. He never met a stranger.

    He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Earl A Johnson, Jr., his parents, 3 sisters, and 15 brothers.

    He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Hilda Grayson Johnson of the home; to their union a daughter: Carole and son-in-law Chris Jones of Decatur, GA; his daughter: Elaine Reed of Darlington, SC;   Grandsons: Kristopher Jones and Keenan Jones of Decatur, GA and Lorand “Cisco” Reed of Darlington, SC; Special Son: Gerald (Valerie) Harrison of Florence, SC; god-sons: Nicholas (Keisha) Pearsonof Columbia, SC and Nygel (Majoria) Pearson of Salisbury, NC; Loving Caregivers: Mable Dowdy and Valerie Daniels both of Darlington, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the Johnson family is requesting that donations may be made in Memory of Earl Johnson, Sr. to St. James United Methodist Church: 312 Pearl St. Darlington, SC 29532 or McLeod Health Foundation Attn: Hospice 800 East Cheves St. Suite 150, Florence, SC 29506.

The Johnson family is accepting phone calls but has requested no visitation at the residence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They thank everyone for their thoughts and continued prayers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Earl Johnson, Sr., please visit our floral store.