Terrell “T.J.” Johnson
When a star explodes, its residual light can last for a thousand years. While not a star, may his smaller light shine, as a dying star, just a little in the darkness providing some illumination to family, friends, and all whom his life has touched.
He has most certainly had the light of those who have gone before him illuminate his way. For that he was grateful and thankful. Thanks be unto God and the ETERNAL LIGHT!
He was born in San Pedro, California and lived in CA until age 5, then went to Illinois with parents Earl and Ellen Johnson to live on their farm near Alto Pass until age 13. The family returned to California for 18 months where he attended high school and worked at Knotts Berry Farm during two summers.
Terrell graduated from Alto Pass High school in Alto Pass, IL and served in the army from 1955-1958. He earned his bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University in 1964 and went on to teach school.
He then graduated from Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in 1968 and subsequently worked as a student pastor and pastor for a short time. He then went back to work as an educator and earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois and became a school principal in 1975.
Terrell received his Ph.D. and became a District Superintendent of Schools and later became President of S.W. Division of School Administrators comprising 145 school districts in Illinois. He then retired from education after 36 years and became a teaching minister in the United Methodist Church in Illinois.
He also was employed six years with the USDA - United Department of Agriculture where he interviewed farmers about statistics concerning crops, production, and finance and he enjoyed this job.
He finally retired permanently in 2012.He travelled all 50 states, seven continents and over 80 countries throughout his life.
Marriage and family included an early marriage to Mary Ruth Holderfield and they had three children: Terry, David (deceased), and Janynne and marriage to Gail W. Spahr for 42 years with two children: Brittany and Annakay who grew up to be two wonderful women.
His grandchildren were God’s gift. His only sibling, Lynn Johnson, was not only his brother but a best friend and was an inspiration to him. In later life, his partner was Lucille Mandel of NYC whom he deeply loved and they were married by Jewish law not civil law and enjoyed traveling together and lived in Boca Raton, FL.
He is survived by children Terry Johnson, Janynne Johnson Stahl, Brittany Johnson, Annakay Silva, brother Lynn Johnson, and partner Lucille Mandel and many grandchildren. A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, FL.