Julian Paris Nix, also known as “Jules,” was filled with joy and never let his health challenges get the best of him.

He died Feb. 16, 2012. He was 12.

Nix was born Sept. 10, 1998, in Montgomery, Pa., to Julian Nix and Reneè Schurr.

As a young child, Nix was very fun and loving. Those that knew him loved his bright blue eyes, looking at his big angelic smile and listening to his infectious laugh.

He was extremely personable and always found a way to make someone else smile. Nix lived a full and enjoyable life. He spent his spare time swimming in his grandfather’s pool, riding his scooter, playing video games and being with family. He was also taking piano lessons and learning to speak Spanish.

Nix loved spending time with his family, dancing and listening to music. His favorite artists were Phil Collins, The Police and Sade.

He loved his sisters very much and was often heard talking about them. Being the youngest child and only boy, Nix soaked up being the center of attention. He especially looked forward to his special outings with his big sister, Alexus.

He had a very special relationship with his father, especially since he began solely raising him at the age of one. Nix shared an unbreakable bond with his father and took pride in being in his shadow. He adored him and loved spending time with him, especially at the pool hall.

Nix attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg with his grandmother, Barbara Nix. He looked forward to attending church and would often be seen walking around greeting the other attendees.

Early on, Nix had dreams of being a chef and owning his restaurant where the only thing on the menu would be pancakes and bacon. However, he recently talked about becoming a teacher. This could have much to do with his love for school.

Nix was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. In order to ensure a quality education, his parents sent him to Elwyn Davidson School in Elwyn. Nix loved going to school. He loved his teachers, classmates and all those who were responsible for his care. Nix made sure he was on time for school every day with help of his trusted alarm clock.

He recently began to take extra time with his grooming, spending long periods of time perfecting his appearance. Nix was a true teenager. He was starting to develop stronger friendships with his classmates and moving strongly towards his independence.

Nix’s father was his sole care provider until the age of six. In December 2004, Julian met Maggie and they formed an immediate bond. Maggie began to care for Nix as her very own shortly after their meeting.

Nix and Maggie bonded while attending MOCA (Mothers of Children With Autism) meetings. They spent time together and she taught him manners, respect and how to be the best person he could be. Nix was also blessed with another sister and brother, Maggie’s daughter, Brianna, and son, Emanuel.

In 2004, Maggie and Julian, along with Manny, Alexus, Brianna, Savanna, Brianna and Jules joined together and became one big, happy, blended family.

Nix is survived by his father, Julian; stepmother, Maggie; mother, Reneè; sisters, Alexus, Brianna and Savanna; stepsister, Brianna; paternal grandparents, Barbara and Elwood Nix; aunts, Angelita (Michael), Pierrette (Darren), Brittany and Jen (Rob); uncle, Jamie; cousins, Delilah, Andrew, Darren and Paris; special caregiver, Rebecca; and other relatives and friends.

Services were held Feb. 24 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg, 8101 Erdrick St.

Crystal Lenear had a loving spirit she put on display for the people in her life. She was devoted to her mother, Lurene, making sure she talked to her on almost a daily basis. She showed unconditional love to those she touched as demonstrated by how she lovingly cared for her brother Gregory who predeceased her.

This same caring spirit was exhibited by the care she gave her fiancé’s father, Robert Rivers. She was as protective of her pets, two cats, Gus & Max and a dog, Caesar, as some parents are of their children. Lenear died Sept. 19 as a result of a car accident. She was 43.

“She loved family and friends and her biggest desire was to be around family and friends,” Annie Mackey said, her aunt. “She was just a loving person.”

Lenear was born on Sept. 6, 1968 to Robert and Lurene Lenear in Philadelphia.

She was the youngest of three children.

She received her early spiritual training at New Bethlehem Baptist Church where she was baptized under the pastorate of the late Rev. James F. Scott. She was a member of Sunday school and Baptist Training Union. She was one of several cousins and other family members who worshipped together at New Bethlehem.

Lenear received her education in the Philadelphia School District, graduating from the Overbrook High School. She went on to attend Pierce College and Gordon Phillips Beauty School. Her journey through life included four girl friends, which lasted until her death.

Her early employment by the City of Philadelphia was in the Emergency Operating Center. She later became employed at Amtrak where she worked for over 22 years, holding positions in the Reservations Sales Department and in the Philadelphia Club Acela Lounge. She transferred to Amtrak’s Washington headquarters in June 2010 where she was recently promoted to a position as a quality assurance analyst. Her competence on the job was recognized when she was selected to provide training to the Amtrak staff in Sanford, Florida; Lorton, Virginia; and Philadelphia. She thoroughly enjoyed working for Amtrak, and she excelled in her positions.

She and her fiancé, Wayne, were the perfect host and hostess at many fellowships with family and friends reminiscent of family get-togethers that were only excelled by her Grandmom Smith. Those who attended experienced a genuine fun-filled atmosphere with lots of good food.

Lenear’s family said her favorite pastime of shopping yielded numerous pairs of shoes and outfits. She even loved to shop for food almost as much as she did for clothes. She was as meticulous about the type of food she bought as she was about wearing apparel.

Lenear leaves to mourn: mother, Lurene; father, Robert; brother, Michael (Sharon); fiancé, Wayne Rivers; the Rivers Family; aunts; great aunt, Jessie Timmons; uncles; great uncle; nieces; great nieces; and a host of cousins, loved ones and friends.

Services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Sharon Baptist Church, 3955 Conshohocken Ave. The viewing will be at 9 a.m. The service will start at 11 a.m.

Christopher G. Kent Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Richard Reginald Schell, known as “Reggie,” was a former leader of the Black Panther Party in Philadelphia.

Schell was steadfast in ensuring the betterment of Black people.

He died May 9, 2012 of kidney disease and heart failure. He was 70.

He was born July 6, 1941 in Philadelphia to Richard Schell and the former Eleanor Nesbitt. He was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and upon graduation he joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. Schell served four years and received an honorable discharge.

Schell had vast occupational endeavors, having worked as a plumber, contractor and a printsetter. His job as a printsetter piqued his interest in attending Temple University for Journalism.

He married Carol Cooke, who is deceased, and from this union, two sons were born, Richard and Marcus.

In 1969, Schell formed the Philadelphia Chapter of The Black Panther Party with the determination in establishing the rights of his people and address community concerns.

Working with the Black Panther Party and affiliates, Schell helped establish the Breakfast Program, Community Medical Centers and Community Clothing Programs. He was an integral participant in the renaming of Columbia Avenue to Cecil B. Moore Avenue.

In 1969, he met Celia Turner, who was an intricate part of the struggle. In 1972, a daughter named Dessalina was born to them.

Schell extended his political activism as he traveled around the country and around the world, visiting China and France. He was an active member of the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Barbara Schell-Lancit.

Schell is survived by brother, Robert; sisters, Marian (Yonn) and Ellen; children, Richard, Leslie, Marcus (April) and Dessalina (Anthony); grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; aunts, Thelma Sawyer and Marian Bowman; and other relatives and friends.

Services were held May 15 at Alfonso Cannon Funeral Chapel.

Myron D. Moss was a music program director and associate professor at Drexel University.

Moss died suddenly July 2, 2012, at Bryn Mawr Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack.

He was 60.

He was born Sept. 28, 1951.

Moss was a master teacher and talented orchestra and band conductor.

“He was a gentle, charming, kind man who touched the lives of many students and colleagues,” his family said.

As a scholar, Moss was nationally known for his work on African-American composers, specifically related to band repertoire. Before coming to Drexel, Moss was music department chair and director of bands at Southern Connecticut State University. He was an invited guest conductor at Yale, the Hartt School and the University of Michigan.

Moss conducted the Keystone Winds’ CD “Out of the Depths” devoted to works by Black composers. His University of Michigan Ph.D. dissertation, “Concert Band Music by African-American Composers, 1927–1998,” won the Fritz Thelen Award for the best doctoral dissertation worldwide on a concert band music subject written between 1999 and 2005.

His band arrangement of Gabriel Fauré’s “Chant Funéraire” was recorded by the University of North Texas Wind Ensemble on a 2006 GIA release and has been played by elite groups across the country. Earlier this year, Moss conducted a performance at the Kimmel Center of the Drexel Concert Band playing music by African-American composers.

Moss is survived by his parents, Sonya Kleider of Monroe Township and Robert I. Moss of Trenton, N.J.; his sister, Aleta McClelland; and nephews, Daniel and Kian.

Funeral services will be held privately July 6. The Antoinette School of Media Arts and Design will hold a memorial at a later time. Family will receive visitors and observe shiva on July 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the home of Charles and Peggy Morscheck, 821 Clifford Ave., Ardmore.

Platt Memorial Chapels, Inc. handled the arrangements.

Services will be held June 22 for attorney, historian and author Edward W. Robinson Jr.,

Robinson died June 13, 2012, after a long battle with cancer. He was 94.

He mentored many African-American leaders in Philadelphia.

As an author, he wrote “Journey of the Songhai People” and “Twas the Night before Kwanzaa.” He also produced CDs and DVDs such as “Black Rhapsody” and “The Songhai Princess.” As a curriculum specialist, he designed an infused African history course for the Philadelphia School District, and the secondary and group leader curricula for the highly successful d’Zert Club. At the time of his death, he was working on the crown jewel of his works, a full-length motion picture called, “Whispers of the Medallion.”

As an attorney and entrepreneur, Robinson was the past-president of the Provident Home Life Insurance Company, a former member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank, deputy secretary of the State of Pennsylvania and assistant managing director of the City of Philadelphia.

At age 80, Robinson produced a “Tri-Racial Comparative Time Line” which was commissioned by the national Keystone Mercy Health Corporation. He has produced numerous documentaries, including a series sponsored by 7-Eleven Stores (Southland Corporation). He has created an art gallery consisting of “The 100 Most Notable Africans and African Americans” together with a 400-word biography of each.

Services will be held June 22 at AME Union Church, 1614 West Jefferson Street. Viewing is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Services begin at 11. Burial is in Merion Memorial Park, W. Rock Hill Road and Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bala Cynwyd.

Duane Anthony Sewell was a head and neck surgeon whose career was marked by an impressive number of honors, research grants, faculty teaching awards and professional awards, including the John Harvard Scholarship (Dean’s List) and summa cum laude for his senior thesis, Harvard University, Outstanding Medical Student from the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Helen O. Dickens Award from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, the Percy Memorial Research Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology and many others. In his clinical practice, he demonstrated love for people regardless of social status. He was dearly loved by his family, professional colleagues and friends.

Sewell died Nov. 26 of stomach cancer. He was 44.

“He was a humble, intelligent and talented person,” Dr. Trevor Sewell said, his father. “He was friendly and kind.”

Sewell was born on Nov. 3, 1967 in Milwaukee, Wis. At age 5, his family moved to Philadelphia where his father accepted a faculty position at Temple University. He and his sister Andrea grew up in Elkins Park where he attended public schools. He was always excited about learning and school satisfied his curiosity and allowed him to engage in outdoor activities with friends. His early reading skills could be attributed to a driving desire to be able to read sports statistics and the TV Guide for game schedules.   

He graduated from Abington High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Harvard University, cum laude and went on to earn a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He was married to Catherine, whom he met while they were both students in medical school. They got engaged the night of their graduation from medical school and jointly celebrated their medical degrees, acceptance into residency programs at Johns Hopkins Hospital and their engagement.

“He was an exceptional husband and father, and I was blessed to have him in my life for 17 years. He was my soul mate, and we were kindred spirits,” his wife said.

According to his parents, he was a “wonderful son, and the combination of intelligence, kindness, humility and the ability to relate to others with ease and grace made him a greatly loved human being.” His sister Andrea who formerly owned Serenity Inspirational Gifts & Coffee Shop in Glenside was thrilled with the attendance and reaction of community residents when her brother led a discussion at her shop on medical issues.

After completing his residency in the Department of Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Sewell later returned to the University of Pennsylvania as a research fellow in the Department of Immunology and as a fellow in Head and Neck Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology.

Following his academic and clinical studies, he was appointed as an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. He also worked as a staff surgeon at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Philadelphia.

In 2007, he accepted a position at the University of Maryland Medical Center where he continued his medical research with a sharp focus on cancer immunotherapy. His clinical expertise was head and neck oncologic surgery.

The head of his academic department also a research colleague and friend, saw Sewell as one who worked tirelessly to better the human condition through research because he lived his life with integrity, dignity and quiet strength. He was a man of deep faith and was a mentor in the truest sense of the word — he made a difference.

After committing his life to Christ as a teenager, he remained a member of Cedar Park Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia until he moved away to college.

Sewell leaves to mourn: wife, Catherine; sons, Sean Trevor and Joshua Edward; parents, Dr. and Mrs. Trevor Sewell; sister, Andrea; in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pilgrim, Adrian Pilgrim; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in honor of Dr. Sewell to the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 South Green Street, Baltimore, Md. 21201-1595 and specify the “Sewell Head and Neck Cancer Research Fund.”

A memorial service in his honor was held Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Cedar Park Presbyterian Church, Limekiln Pike and Upsal Street. Bruce R. Hawkins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Philadelphia has lost a noted business and community development leader.

Floyd W. Alston, founder of Beech Corporation, died September 24, 2012, after a long illness. He was 86.

He founded Beech Corporation in 1990, a community development organization designed to bring together business, government and nonprofit entities to redevelop the Cecil B. Moore neighborhood.

During his tenure with Beech, Alston partnered with Temple University and brought new investment to the community, bringing together resources that resulted in more than $200 million in private development.

“He was a Philadelphia legend in the Black community, and the business community in general, as one of the first African-American senior officers at a major bank,” says Kenneth Scott, president and CEO of Beech Companies made up of Beech Interplex, Beech Community Services, Beech Business Bank and Alston Beech Foundation.

“The amazing thing about Mr. Alston is that he was such as calm, compassionate person. He was a great negotiator because he didn’t let his highs get too high and his lows get too low. If it’s one thing that I could take from him is his mediation skills and being able to bring people together. To be such a mild-mannered person, you would have never thought that he was a Marine that had served in two wars.”

Alston was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He grew up in North Philadelphia and attended Northeast High School. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Temple University. He also studied at the Fels Institute of State and Local Government.

He had the distinction of being a Montford Point Marine —– one of the nation’s first Black Marines.

Alston’s professional career spanned from him serving as vice president of First Pennsylvania Bank; president of the HOPE Development Corporation and manager of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

As a civic leader, Alston served as president, vice president and board member of the School District of Philadelphia.

Former School District Superintendent Dr. Constance Clayton referred to Alston as “a man of high principles and integrity, fully committed to improving the education of all children, and sensitive to family needs.”

He was also on the boards of School District of Philadelphia, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Berean Bank, The Philadelphia Tribune, Tribune Charities and other community organizations. He was the president and founder of the Tucker House, a 180-bed nursing home and a founding member of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.

He was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, where he served as a deacon.

Throughout the years, Alston received awards and honors from various organizations including the National Bankers Association, Philadelphia Human Relations Commission, Martin Luther King Jr. Association, Germantown Historical Society and Men’s Club of Grace Baptist Church. He received honorary doctorates from the Wagner Free Institute of Science and Temple University.

When Alston received his honorary degree from Temple in 2008, then-president Ann Weaver Hart referred to him as a catalyst for change.

“Floyd Alston has been a catalyst for the kind of change that makes a real difference in the daily lives of Philadelphians, especially those who live and work in the community surrounding Temple,” Hart said.

“His lifelong dedication as a community leader is an inspirational example for our students.”

Alston was a lifetime member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He was also a member of the Boule – Sigma Pi Phi and Frontiers International.

A viewing and fraternal service will be held September 28 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, 25 West Johnson Street.

Services will be held September 29 at Grace Baptist of Germantown. Viewing will be at 9 a.m. Services will follow at 10. Burial will be in Mt. Lawn Cemetery.

Alston is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Alston; son, Craig E.F. Alston; daughter, M. Suzanne Hodges; son-in-law, Keith L. Hodges; grandchildren, Cameron and Kendall Hodges; nieces, Ayana Sellers (Peter) Melva Thompson (H. Lee) and Wendi Baker; nephews, Vince Baker (Marcia), Bryant Roberts, Wendell Roberts and Floyd M. Davis (Avis); grandnieces, Tracy Gray (Kwame), Tashira Sellers and Brandi Harvey; grandnephews, Byron Sellers, Travis Sellers (Nine) and Larry Perry; and other relatives and friends.

The boxing community has lost a legend.

Philadelphia boxing trainer George Benton died from pneumonia Monday morning at St. Joseph’s Hospital in North Philadelphia. He was 78.

Born May 15, 1933, in Philadelphia, Benton was a top rated welterweight and middleweight from 1940 to 1970.

Benton, who was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001, posted a 61-13-1 record and held wins over Holly Mims, Lester Felton, Joey Giardello and Jimmy Ellis.

In 1970, Benton was an innocent bystander but suffered a gunshot wound that ended his ring career. He then went on to become a legendary trainer.

Benton trained a number of noted fighters throughout the years, including Bennie Briscoe, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield, Johnny Bumphus, Mark Breland and Mike McCallum. For 17 years, Benton worked together with Lou Duva and Main Events as the head trainer for many of their fighters.

In 1989 and 1990, the Boxing Writers Association of America awarded Benton “Trainer of the Year” honors.

“George Benton was one of the most knowledgeable teachers in the sport of boxing,” said International Boxing Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy.

“The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing.”

Philadelphia Daily News columnist Elmer Smith referred to Benton as one of the most colorful characters in boxing.

“Philadelphia is a boxers’ town because it’s a place where there are a number of people who can teach kids to box — Georgie was one of the very best of them,” Smith says of his friend.

“What Georgie did so well was teach the fundamentals of the game. He was a great teacher of the game and understood it at the level that most people can’t even guess at.”

“He was one of the best ring technicians that I could remember. Georgie was not a big puncher but he was a fabulous boxer, who got absolutely the best out of his skills. There were guys who hit harder. There were guys who were quicker in the ring but nobody put it together like George. He took minor skills and turned them into a successful career as a fighter.”

As a trainer, Smith said Benton was able take kids who had minor skills and make them better than their skill set would have suggested.

“If they had really good skills, he was able to turn them into super fighters,” said Smith.

Smith often sought Benton’s advice when writing articles on boxing.

“He understood boxing in a way that I really didn’t and to have him available made it possible for me to write it as if I were an expert,” Smith added.

Benton was widely regarded as the best middleweight never to win a world title.

Philadelphia promoter Russell Peltz, a close friend of Benton, said Benton never got a title shot because of his manager, Herman Diamond.

“Benton’s real problem was his loyalty to manager Herman Diamond, who refused to do business with certain mob people and that’s why Benton never got a chance at Dick Tiger’s middleweight crown. In fact, the 160-pound title changed hands 22 times during Benton’s 21-year career and he never got a shot,” Peltz said.

A viewing will be held Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.–10 a.m., at Christlike Pleasant Green Faith Baptist Church, 2901 North 25th St. The memorial service will follow at 11.

All women must wear a dress or skirt to be admitted.

Alfred “Butchy” Turner was a graphic designer.

Turner died June 14, 2012. He was 59.

He was born Sept. 6, 1952, in Philadelphia to the late Odessa and Alfred P. Turner. Turner was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system and graduated from Bartram High School in 1970. He later earned a degree in graphic arts from the Hussian School of Art.

He was baptized on April 14, 1963, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Turner married the former Natalie Williams on June 6, 2004. Their marriage exemplified the term “equally yoked.”

He continued perfecting his artistic skills, which eventually led him to start and build his own business, A. Turner Designs. For many years he performed marketing, graphic design and event planning work at Philadanco and was instrumental in the growth and development of the company.

Turner designed and performed layout work on the Solid Gold Hair magazine, a staple in Black salons. His business continued to grow and he obtained a number of exceptional clients that included Will Downing Jr., Art Jazz Gallery and newspapers New Observer, Philadelphia Tribune, Neighborhood Leader and the Black Professional Network. Philadelphia Magazine and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services also sought Turner out for his excellent and innovative graphic design work.

Turner received the Appreciation for the “Hottest” Logo Award from the Fast and Furious Bike Club and the PRAME Award for the Color of Creativity Entertainment Billboard.

He was a member of Bible Way Baptist Church and served in many ministries including New Members Ministry, Angel Tree which serves children of incarcerated parents, Gifts of God Ministry which fed the homeless, and Tract Ministry which tells people about Jesus Christ and distributes Bibles. He also supported the church on numerous art projects.

Turner attended Philadelphia New Life Bible Institute and Bible Way Baptist Church Evangelical Training Institute. In 2008, Turner and his wife, Natalie, performed missionary service in Guatemala while helping build a facility. He continued his service in Guatemala in 2010, sealing lasting friendships.

Turner was a born leader. He served as president of the Philadelphia Organization of Black Designers and was the block captain of the 54th Street Block Club (1200 block.)

His family said he impacted many lives, and was a true and loyal friend and mentor to many. He had a heart of gold, loved his music and barbecuing and yahooing with friends and family. He was a social person who led a colorful and active life. He kept a beautiful, perfect smile on his face, his family said. Turner’s family said he provided a safe haven for many friends, helping those who were down and supported them until they became whole.

In addition to his wife, Turner is survived by his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hankins; nephews, Maurice Williams Jr. and Antonio D. Green; niece, Myesha Williams of Baltimore, Md.; godchildren, Lauren C. Burgee, Shannon L. Pringle, Ryan M. Pringle, Andrea K. McCutcheon, Nicole E. McCutcheon, Gaia Hearns, Zephania P. Thomas, Naudia V. Thomas and R.J. Laurie; as well as other relatives and friends.

Services are pending.

Ivan B. Kimble Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Farel Frederick Johnson, affectionately known as Freddie, who died Nov. 30 at age 96, was quite the entrepreneur.

In his native Jamaica, he owned Freddie’s Bar and Restaurant and served as a personal tour guide for the famous actor Errol Flynn, during his visits there. In the United States, he owned and operated a barbershop in West Philadelphia for over 40 years.

“He was a devoted father and devoted friend,” said his daughter Elaine Johnson-Adams.

Johnson was born on Aug. 8, 1915, in Cold Springs, Hanover, Jamaica, West Indies, to Zachariah Cuban and Alice Johnson.

He spent his early years in Jamaica, where he developed a love for cricket, croquet, bird shooting and fishing. He completed his formal education at 18 and went on to hone his culinary skills. While in Jamaica he had five children, Clifford, Ronald, Citrine, Locksley and Audrey.

Johnson came to the U.S. in 1943 during World War II to find a better life for his family. He worked as a chef, cooking for soldiers, and a factory worker for Campbell Soup Co. He received his barber’s license in 1952 and became a surgical barber at Philadelphia General Hospital.

In the early 1940s, he met his first wife, Dorothy Williams, who had two children, Vares (Colleen), and Grace. In 1944, he married Dorothy and from their union came five children, Farel, Alice, Faith, Elaine and Crystal.

He was the Sir Knight and assistant secretary for 20 years of The William Penn Lodge #1 of Philadelphia under the Grand Jurisdiction of the Alpha District Grand Lodge #1 of The Independent United Order of Mechanics, Friendly Society, of The Western Hemisphere, Inc.

Johnson is survived by: 10 children, Clifford “Jakes” Johnson , Ronald Johnson (Valerie), Citrine Johnson, Audrey “Blossom” Johnson, Locksley Johnson (Patricia), Farel Frederick Johnson Jr. (Joyce), Alice Johnson (Ralph), Faith Johnson-Bonecutter (Bruce), Elaine Johnson-Adams (Barry) and Crystal Torrence (Darryl), and adopted daughter Stephanie Gilchrist (Charles); more than 40 grandchildren and a multitude of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Ola Johnson, and his partner and companion, Maxine Seney.

Services will be held Dec. 8 at Yeadon Presbyterian Church, 541 Holly Road in Yeadon. The viewing will be at 9 a.m. The service will start at 11. Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.