Sylvester Alfonzo Johnson

Sylvester Alfonzo Johnson was born December 14, 1938 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the late proud parents Willie and Pearl Bonner Johnson. As the 2nd child born to this union, Sylvester was loved and adored by his parents and siblings Alonzo, Laverne, Willie and Rosemary.

Sylvester accepted Christ at an early age as he was baptized at Fischer Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois. Sylvester attended grade school, middle school, and high school all in Illinois graduating in 1956.  Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy working various trades and traveling. He retired after 20 years of service.

In 1958 he met the love of his life Sarah, as shortly after they were married in holy matrimony.  As they continued their journey they raised and nourished four children Gary, Deborah, Virgel, and Brandon.  Sylvester was a family man as he worked hard making sure his family was never in need of anything. He would later retire in 1976.

Sylvester’s retirement was short lived as he began working as a skycap at the San Diego International Airport for another 20 years.  Sylvester stayed active and enjoyed his “Corvette Magic” Car Club where he served as the President for many years.  His white, gold trimmed corvette with his “E. St. Louis” license plates was one of his prized possessions as he won several awards and trophy’s in various categories.  He also was known for his DJ’ing (spinning records) as he collected and played his 8-tracks, 45’s, albums and cassettes on his many turntables and DJ equipment.  Sam Cooke being his favorite artist amongst James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Al Green.  He also loved having his friends over and hosting social and family events where they would play instruments and sing like celebrities.  You could not tell him he wasn’t a professional singer and DJ.  He also endured and enjoyed traveling, dining out, watching and attending sports events, deep sea fishing and grunion hunting, fixing, cleaning and shining on his cars.

He was known for his generosity as he would give wholeheartedly and unconditionally to those in need.  After retiring from the airport he later became a drug/alcohol counselor rendering various services and help to individuals addicted to drugs/alcohol, mothers and their infant children and individuals exiting prison back into mainstream society.  All whom came into contact with Sylvester loved him and enjoyed him but would say “Mr. Johnson don’t play he is a tough dude” He did not tolerate mess and definitely forbid you to come to come to his wife and home with any mess.   He served the drug/alcohol community for 15 years.  Thereafter, 55 years of working was not enough to sit him down.  He along with his wife became foster parents to many children, once again demonstrating and mastering parenthood providing a stable, loving and nurturing home to others, his 4 children and grandson Asunta’ whom became his right hand man, pride and joy.

Sylvester’s good works, unwavering faith and obedience to God, his wife and family afforded him 83 years of  blessings and favor in abundance while here on earth.

On March 14,2023 surrounded by loved ones, The Lord called him home to rest. Sylvester’s legacy and memories will be cherished forever and continue in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents Willie and Pearl Johnson, Brother, Alonzo Johnson and Sister, Laverne Johnson.  He leaves behind to cherish his loving memory, his wife Sarah Johnson, Four Children, Gary, Deborah, Virgel and Brandon. Four Grandchildren, Virgel III, Asunta’, Keshawn and Dream. Six Great Grandchildren. Sister-in law Linda (Brad) Johnson; Atlanta Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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