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Deacon William Jay Johnson

  • October 17, 1918 - January 11, 2011
  • Elizabeth, New Jersey
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Memories & Candles

“January 19, 2011 I served with Jay in the late 1960's and early 1970's on the City of Elizabeth Mayor's Commission on Human Relations. We were...Read More » ”
1 of 5 | Posted by: John N Surmay - Elizabeth, NJ

“January 19, 2011 I served with Jay in the late 1960's and early 1970's on the City of Elizabeth Mayor's Commission on Human Relations. We were...Read More » ”
2 of 5 | Posted by: John N Surmay - Elizabeth, NJ

“January 19, 2011 I served with Jay in the late 1960's and early 1970's on the City of Elizabeth Mayor's Commission on Human Relations. We were...Read More » ”
3 of 5 | Posted by: John N Surmay - Elizabeth, NJ

“To me, "Jay Baby" was called a "Comet", for his trail left such a milky way, that darkness has failed to obliterate the "brilliance" of his Masonic...Read More » ”
4 of 5 | Posted by: Bro. Ralph McNeal - AZ

“Deacon Johnson my great uncle has completed his earthy assignment Rest in God's Peace. ”
5 of 5 | Posted by: Vannessa Johnson - East Orange, NJ


Deacon William Jay Johnson, 92, went home to glory on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 in Rahway. Born in Bishopville, South Carolina, he came to Roselle, New Jersey in 1921 and remained a resident before moving to Elizabeth in 1946. He was a US Army veteran of World War II. He was employed at Western Electric, Kearny for 28 years, Bayway Terminal, Elizabeth for 2 years and Roselli Garbage Disposal Company for 10 years. He was Chairman Emeritus of the Deacon Board and lifetime member of First Baptist Church, Linden. His parents Deacon Herman Johnson, Sr. and Florence Susan Wells Johnson were founding members. He had served as Co-Chairman of the Deacon Board, Church Parliamentarian and Sunday School Teacher at the church and started the Monday Night Bible Study. He was a member of the New Jersey Deacon's Association. He was elected to the committee of 12th district of the 6th Ward in Elizabeth for 10 years. He was a member of the Elizabeth Police Reserve for 20 years. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of Lincoln Lodge #62 F&AM in Elizabeth. He had served as the Secretary for the 6th Masonic District for 27 consecutive years. He was a 50-year member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Shriner. He was in Washington, DC in 1963 to witness Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. He was predeceased by his wife, Alma Johnson in 1985. Surviving are niece, Barbara Foxx; several great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the First Baptist Scholarship Ministry. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Deacon William Jay Johnson. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.