Obituary of Pastor Dr. Alton T. Johnson, Sr.

Alton T. Johnson Sr. (Huck) peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord on the morning of Monday, October 28, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Alton was born to the late Samuel Harris and Arnette Callahan on May 21, 1949 in Wilmington, DE at the Wilmington General Hospital.  Alton was the eldest of seven siblings and was preceded in death by his two brothers, Samuel A Harris II and Arthur Harris, stepmother, Irma L Harris and one sister Valorie Ray, two sisters-in law Stella Cisney, and Sarah Brooker.

 Alton was educated at Wilmington Public schools and received his GED while attending Job Corp. He enlisted in the Army on February 6, 1969.

He was married to the Love of his Life Margaret Johnson on February 19, 1978 and is the father of eight children: Alton Johnson Jr., Kenny Johnson, Georgette Johnson-Summers, James Johnson, Rhonda Johnson and Robert Johnson. He has three God Children Christopher Brooker, Charles Smith, and Devona Martin. He was also an Amazing foster father to over 30 foster children who he did not consider them as foster children but as his own.

Alton worked as a long shore-man at Marine Terminal, Chrysler, Langside, and Livingston Pharmaceutical that was bought out by UPS. He retired early from UPS due to an illness in 2011. Some of his hobbies were watching sports and spending time with family and friends, shooting pool, Karate, singing on the corner with some of his friends, and his ultimate favorite was tricking people out of money. In 1960 Alton began to engage in boxing when he was only 11.  He was in competition at the age of 16. In 1966 He won the Golden Glove at age 17 in Texas for the Light heavy weight title, taking after his Uncle Medford Johnson who was a marine middle weight boxer.

In 1979 he attended Mount Zion Gospel Church under the leadership of Pastor Margaret E. Kelley.

In 1986 Alton Johnson accepted Christ, as his personal Lord and Savior after hearing a great message by the late Elder Larry Bryson,” Happy is a Man” and he joined New Pentecostal UHC under the Late Dr. Louvenia Dickerson. He was so excited about his newfound faith and filled with zeal that he carried a large family bible weighing over 5lbs to the corner, sharing the good news because he wanted EVERYBODY to be saved! He began assisting with the outreach ministry led by Evangelist Victoria Grayson and shared the good news with all who will listen. He song on the Dickerson Choir, where He Led a song called “I can depend on God”. That became his ultimate favorite song.

From there he took His yoke upon him and learned of him, Through the sickness and through the pain, he persevered by studying to show himself approved by God at United Christian College. There is where he earned his Bachelors in 2004, in 2010 his Masters, most recently he received his Honorary Doctorate degree May 25, 2019.

Around 1999 Alton went to visit his sister-in law’s church Agape Love Fellowship; he later joined under the leadership of Pastor Otila Butler.  A neighbor in Newark Pastor Elder Daniel Lewis, who introduce him to Pastor Leonard Williams. He began to Fellowship at New Birth Church under Pastor Leonard Williams, Until Pastor Williams was too sick. He asked Alton to stay and help his wife build the church. He became an ordained Deacon and stayed for five years under the Leadership of Pastor Anna Williams, until she relocated to North Carolina. He began to visit the church his daughter Rhonda attended New life UHC. He later joined under Pastor Elder Robert Goodman for two years.  Alton accepted the call to be a Pastor. He started having Bible study every Tuesday at his daughter Georgette’s house. He became an ordained pastor under Bishop Thomas February 20, 2010. In December 2010, He opened a church up in his home, Mount Zion Gospel church of Deliverance. Pastor Johnson Loved to teach. He continued to teach bible every Saturday from his hospital bed until he who no longer speak.  

Alton leaves a legacy of loving memories to his devoted wife of 41 years, who never left his side Margaret D Johnson, his eight children Alton Johnson Jr. (Joann), Kenny Johnson (Tina), Georgette Johnson-Summers (late Vernon), James Johnson, Rhonda Johnson and Robert Johnson, Westley Green, and Shawn Bunting.  Three brothers Arnold Johnson, Lavocia Callahan (Vanessa), Melvin Callahan (Brenda), and Rev. Julia Dorman (Arnold), his sister to whom He was a great protector, teaching her not to follow the ways of the world. He also leaves to cherish one sisters-in law Gloria Cooper, seven brothers-in law George E Kelley Jr. (Carmen), William Kelley (Shelia), Willie Kelley Sr. (Faith), Darrell Kelley (Monika), George Johnson, Kevin Camper (Toya), Brent Camper. One Aunt Vivian Carter, and one Uncle Herbert Davis Jr. He is the Pop-Pop of 19 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends.