Deacon Gerald Leroy Johnson

Gerald Leroy Johnson age 76 of Gary, West Virginia who peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, West Virginia.  He was born on the 29th day of June, 1946 in Wilcoe, West Virginia into the loving parentage of Henry T. and Elsie Mason Johnson.  Leroy was a 1965 graduate of Gary High School, before the Schools were consolidated and had attended Bluefield State College.  He excelled in both football and basketball whereby, opening the way for all black athletes in our area.  He was a faithful, dedicated member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Wilcoe, where he had served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and had once held the position of Janitor/Maintenance worker.  Leroy was a member of the West Virginia Chapter Gary District High School Alumni and had attended reunions throughout the United States.  He loved Sports and was the Chairman of both the Gary High and the Gary District Hall of Fame Committees.  Leroy was a very hard worker and began his work career as a Section Foreman at U.S Steel, later being employed by the Commission on Aging in Welch, West Virginia, the Tug River Health Clinic and for 32 years was the Custodian for the City of Gary.  Leroy retired in 2016 from Stevens Correctional Center as the Maintenance Supervisor and had worked at the McDowell County Jail.  He was past Master for Euclid Lodge #18 and Kimball Lodge #13.  Leroy loved singing either in a group or solo and graciously used his talent whenever called upon.  In addition to his parents, Henry and Elsie, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Rosenbalm, one brother, Jerome Johnson, grandson, Anthony Johnson and a daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn Johnson.  Leroy was a humble man who loved his Family; he showed loved and affection to everyone he knew.   He was a great husband to his devoted wife of 44 years, Dolores Rosenbalm-Johnson; his mother-in-love, Gwendolyn Rosenbalm,  one daughter/step-daughter,  Robin Rosenbalm of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, his sons, Marvin (Allyson) Johnson of Mathews, North Carolina, Darwin Johnson of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Brian Johnson of Dallas, Texas and step-daughter, Sandra Washington of New Jersey; eight grandchildren:  Sydnei and Ryanne Rosenbalm, whom he helped raise, Juwaun, Janae, Courtney, Douglas, Alysea and Brian Johnson; his siblings:  Raymond (Beverly) Johnson of Chicago, Illinois, Marva Bolden, Clayton (Francine) Johnson, Michael (Candice) Johnson and Delsina (Jerry) Powell all of Columbus, Ohio, Rita Horton of Pulaski, Virginia, Sandra Long of Charlotte North Carolina and Arlene Hairston of Martinsville, Virginia.  Leroy is survived by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins; their god-daughter, Meghan Vaughn; other family and many friends.  Deacon Johnson's Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Wilcoe First Missionary Baptist Church with his Pastor David Cooper eulogist and Pastor Dane Moore presiding, Pastors:  George Masterson, Dan Pruitt and William R. Spencer  assisting. Masonic Rites will begin at 10:00 AM.  Entombment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum 6605 New Hope Road Bluewell, West Virginia. Pallbearers will be the Masonic Lodge.   On Friday, October 14, 2022 the Family hour is 5:00 - 6:00 PM.  A "walk thru" Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, for the Public.  Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch.                      

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