Mr. Tony Johnson, Sr.

Tony Juan Johnson, Sr., was born on July 25, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the union of Derrill Leo Johnson, Sr., and Virginia Belle Hooks-Thacker. He was the fifth of six children. As a child, his mother Virginia would often lovingly call him Tony Juan “Tuffy” Johnson. He attended Benton and Cupples Elementary Schools and later attended Beaumont High School.

Tony had two daughters prior to meeting and marrying the love of his life, his wife, Sharon Tabb. Tony and Sharon were married on March 15, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, and to this union, three children were born. Two God-given daughters were later adopted, and a bonus daughter and son were added as well. Tony loved all his family unconditionally. He loved adventure and enjoyed many fun times with family, often going bike-riding and go-carting.

Everyone who knew Tony also knew of his love for cars, motorcycles, and road trips. In fact, many of his siblings fondly recall him routinely revving the engine as a young teenager outside the family home. This lifelong love of cars became a huge part of his life, as he started his own towing service business as a young man and worked his magic on cars for the majority of his life. He was sought out by many for his skills with cars and even had the great opportunity to work with NHRA vehicles. He was well known as an expert at building and racing cars. Tony also loved to travel to various races with friends, both near and far.

Tony was a man full of joy, fun, and laughter. His infectious, unique laugh would put a smile on the face of all who knew him. He loved to joke with his family and friends and always had wonderful stories to share. He loved his family more than anything, as well as large family gatherings. Tony loved to barbeque and always enjoyed great meals!

Tony became a born-again Christian and was baptized in the name of Jesus in 1997. He connected as a member with House of Prayer Assembly under the leadership of Bishop David E. Tabb, Jr. He served in the men’s ministry, transportation, and as a deacon-elect and personal adjutant to his Bishop. He was a tremendous encouragement to the youth, always applauding their gifts and talents.

Tony passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, lovingly surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by: his mother, Virginia, and father, Derrill Sr., as well as his son and namesake, Tony Juan Johnson, Jr. Those left to cherish his memory are: his committed and devoted wife, Sharon Johnson; his children, Shanise (Curtis) Evans, Amica Johnson, Tiara (Joe) Smith, Sean (Tiffany) Johnson, Tia (Matt) Hudson-Johnson, Tiara Linda Hudson-Johnson, Ra-ina Evans, and Jaeton Scales; his grandchildren, Sydney Evans, Konia Jackson, Caleb Evans, Shonea Liggins, Sean Liggins, Jaden Evans, Tony Juan Johnson III (his grandfather’s namesake and son), Devon Johnson, Ian Johnson, Paisley Venezia, Landon Amir Johnson, Sean Johnson, Jr.; two great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Derrill Johnson, Jr., Sylvia Johnson, Gregory Johnson, Sherrill (Leon) Johnson, and Kevin (Machelle) Johnson. He is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, his three godsons (Red, DJ, and Gaston), and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

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