Leon Johnson

Leon Johnson December 7, 1929 – September 4, 2020 Leon Johnson, 90 of Kenly passed away Friday, September 4, 2020. He was born in Johnson County to his late parents William Albert and Rosa Hicks Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Vernise J. Edwards and his brother, Albert Clifton Johnson. Leon is survived by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Mary Belle Bass Johnson of the home; daughter, Dianne J. Godwin (who was the apple of his eye) and husband, Jerry of Wilson; grandson, Jeremy T. Godwin and wife, Elizabeth of Durham and his great-grandsons, Isaac Trad Godwin and Nathan Edward Godwin. He shared great and passionate love for his family. He is also survived by his sister, Louise J. Renfrow and brother, Billy F. Johnson both of Kenly; sister-in-law, Dwanda Laverne Brown of Thomasville and several special nieces and nephews. It was often said that Leon was a man with the ministry of “helps”. It was his pleasure to help others in all avenues of life. There are many stories shared of his abilities and his loving desire to assist when needed. He served as an usher, deacon, Sunday school superintendent and Sunday school teacher, where he impacted the lives of young boys and girls in the Moore’s Chapel Church where he had been a member since his youth. He often aided the church with janitorial, preservation and restoration skills. Leon was an employee of Hackney Brothers Body Company of Wilson for forty-two years. He was a licensed watchmaker with the State of North Carolina. Leon will be remembered as a skillful repairer of watches and clocks taking up the family tradition that his daddy had taught him as a teenager. He worked with his daddy in the family business, Johnson Jewelry, Watch and Clock Repairs in Kenly until his father’s death, and later moved the repair shop to his home. Leon was always available to assist in the family owned business, Country Aire Flower Shop. He worked his retirement years among many friends and acquaintances at Manheim (formerly Aycock’s) Car Auctions and Sales in Kenly. The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon from 12 – 12:45 p.m. with his funeral service following at 1 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. The Rev. David West will officiate. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to Moore’s Chapel PH Church, Memorial Fund, Sarah Fuquay, 230 Woodard Dairy Road, Kenly, North Carolina 27542. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.