Local History Maker Michael B. Johnson, Sr. Passes
Grand Rapids – Michael Bernard Johnson, Sr. departed this earthly realm after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 surrounded by loved ones.
Michael, (fondly known as "Mike") was born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 21, 1950, to the late Mrs. Elizabeth R. Johnson and the late Mr. Raymond K. Tardy, Sr.
In Psalm 90:10 the Lord promised us three score and ten years, Michael celebrated his 70th birthday 21 days before passing. Prior to that he was blessed to be a 26 - year cancer survivor.
He began his education at Sheldon and Campau Elementary Schools, furthered his education at South High School and graduated from Creston High School. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College (now GRCC), Western Michigan University and Wayne State University. He maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his college career.
He received his B.S. in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University graduating with honors. While attending Wayne State University he received the Richard M. Kelly Memorial Award for his extraordinary skills in Embalming and Restorative Work.
Michael married Tisha Ann Mitchell in 1978. To this union one son was born, Michael B. Johnson, Jr. Mike later married Kathy Upton, who is now deceased.
Michael was a member of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church. As a child he grew up singing with the Children's Bible Hour under the direction of Aunt Birtha and Uncle Charlie. He attended the WCTU Center with Mr. and Mrs. Newhall, along with his grandmother, Nanny.
In 1985 he became the owner of Brown's Funeral Home, Ltd, in Grand Rapids Michigan. In 2008 he purchased Toombs Funeral Home in Muskegon Heights, Michigan.
He remained the successful owner of these businesses until September 7, 2018, when he suffered a stroke and his health would no longer allow him to work. He was founder and administrator of the Grand Rapids Community College Milo M. Brown Scholarship Endowment.
Michael was one of the founding members of the acapella group "Background" which was formed in 1996.
Through the singing of old Negro spirituals and a sprinkling of more contemporary gospel songs, "Background", spread their love for the Lord throughout Michigan.
His other interests included Afro - Centric, Traditional, and Contemporary Interior Design; Nature Photography; a deep appreciation of jazz, gospel, soul, and R&B music; reading, walking, swimming, and bicycle touring; and last, but definitely not least, tropical fish and coral reefs, ponds and aquariums.
Michael had a giving heart. He donated to children's activities, local food banks and sponsored the Feeding America Food Trucks three times a year.
If you needed help and he knew it he would give; if you asked, he would give. He truly loved the members of his community.
Michael's motto was "My effort in life is to assist as many people as I can from day to day, and be a help to them through the field of funeral services that I have chosen as my profession".
In 1990 The Raymond K. Tardy Community Service Giant Award was awarded to Michael. How fitting to received this honor as it was created in memory of his father.
In February 2019 Michael was honored the Giant Among Giants Award. This distinct honor is presented to individuals whose achievements are felt throughout and beyond the Grand Rapids Community.
This individual will have had an impact in a number of areas and is a previous recipient of the Giants Award.
Following the World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001, Michael received special training in Emergency Disaster Management by the Michigan State Police.
Michael's loved ones who also preceded him in death were his brother, Rodney J. Tardy.
Michael was the father of three sons: Michael B. Johnson Jr., Phillip L. (Sheena) Flowers, Ishmael B. Wilson, and one daughter, Sethiel D. Wilson and the grandfather of four grandsons; Michael B. Johnson III, Benjamin Johnson, Isaiah Brown, Jacob Brown, two granddaughters: Alayha Johnson and Kennedy Flowers.
Michael played a big role in the lives of his children and his grandchildren. They will truly miss him, but they are thankful for the memories they made with him.
Michael also leaves to cherish his memory his sisters: Karen D. Johnson, Theresa O. Johnson, Laura B. (Nathaniel) Moody and Melvene (Carlton) Tardy all of Grand Rapids, MI; his brothers: Kirby J. (Debbie) Tardy of Grand Rapids, MI; Kevin W. (Jacqueline) Johnson, of Beavercreek, OH; Ray Kelly Tardy, of Grand Rapids, MI. His God - Children: Kendrick W. Moody, John Michael Lewis, Breasia Fiddler, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and although all of his friends were special to him, especially Gayle Washington, Sharon Maddox, John Lewis, Joe Earles, Howard DeYoung, and James Cattledge, Brown's Funeral Home and Toombs Funeral Home Staff.
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