Wilfred "Dick" Johnson, Sr.

Today, we say farewell to one of Gretna's finest, Wilfred Johnson Sr. “Dick,” as he was affectionately known, worked at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. He was a retired lieutenant from the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. He also worked as retail at Porter Steven Men’s Clothing Store for many years, where he left as an assistant manager and worked at many other retail stores. He was a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. He was serving in the 436 Quarter Master Court in the 4 th Army. He was stationed in Texas in 1951 and served in Germany for a year in the 7 th Army called “7 Steps to hell”. At home, he was in many organizations, such as the Quarterback Club, the timers club of McDonaldville, and the Bowling League, with many of his good friends. In 1967, he and four of his other friends joined the New Orleans Saints ticketholders for over 50 years, and now his name can be found on the Championship Square Wall. Still, to this day, he has been a faithful Saints fan. Dick was married to the late Eunice Brown Johnson, the love of his life. They were married for 61 years before her death, which was February 18, 1950. They had eleven children together four daughters the late Miriam “Mimi” Robinson (George) ,and the late Ingrid Collins, Donna Anderson, Eunice Gutierrez (Jackie), and Melba Todle (Steven Sr. of Arkansas) and seven sons (Wilfred Johnson Jr. (Betty), Aaron Johnson (Joan), Wardell Johnson, Kirk Johnson, Steven Johnson (Teresa), Terrence “Tata” Johnson, Darrell Mundy Sr. (Nekita of Humble, Texas), and Derrick “Bay” Johnson Sr. “Dick” was known as PawPaw towards all his 29 grandkids, 36 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandkids. He lived long enough to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren finish college and receive their master’s degree. To the neighborhood and his family, he was a father figure to many who loved him. He was baptized at Regular Baptist Church by Reverend Daniel Power. In front of the church, there is a brick with his favorite scripture from the bible, which is John 14: 2-4. He was an usher- on-Usher Board #2. He served there under Reverend TJ Hodgins until his death. His favorite hymn from the church was “I Want Complain”, but with his wife their favorite hymn together was “The Wind Beneath My Wings”. His parents were the late Daniel and Viola Johnson of Gretna, La. His brothers Curtis, Richard, of Donaldsonville and Harold of Seattle, Washington, and sisters Bernice “Olivia” Jackson and Bernette Francois of Lancaster, California. All have preceded him in death. He was educated in Jefferson Parish Elementary School (McDonald #27), High School L.B. Landry, and college Straight Business School. He played football as a linesman with many of his school friends. Blessings to his longtime friends were Mr. Clarence Perkins, Mr. Joseph Davis, Mr. Joseph Burnstelle, and his favorite cousin, Roy Walker. Still survived by sisters-in-law, Leah Callens, and Yvonne Vancourt (Herman) and brother-in-law Supt. Wilfred Brown Jr. (Missionary Doris) and many nieces and nephews he loved. PawPaw was the last of the Johnson in his family. God has now received all of the heads of the Johnson family. He leaves his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great children to carry the name of the Johnson in good standing with dignity and respect. He leaves a lifetime of memories and quotations to all who knew him and loved him. We will truly miss him. We Will See Him Again. Warrior – Motivator & Family Man

Tributes

Wilfred "Dick" Johnson, Sr.

November 2, 1932 - December 11, 2023