Rev. Robert Henry Johnson

September 14, 1923 - March 9, 2008
Rev. Robert Henry Johnson

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Robert H. Johnson, age 84 of Wilmington N.C. formerly of Springfield N.J. died March 9, 2008 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter in Wilmington.

Robert Henry Johnson was born September 14, 1923 in Columbia, SC to the Reverend Benjamin F. Johnson and his wife Nellie Johnson. Robert was the middle child out of four siblings, two older brothers, Willie Johnson and Benjamin F. Johnson II, a younger sister, Nellie Boone and younger brother, Charles Johnson.

Robert attended Dillard High School in Goldsboro, N.C. where he graduated at the tender age of 15 years old. He immediately joined his two older brothers at Benedict College in Columbia S.C. where he went on to study science and religion. His college education was briefly interrupted by a call to duty to serve his country in the United States Navy. He returned to Benedict College to finish his education graduating in 1947. During his last year at Benedict he met his soul mate Katherine L. Osborne who he married on March 29, 1948.

After graduating from college he and his new wife Katherine moved to Newark, N.J. to join the rest of his extended family to start a new life. Robert’s deep faith and spiritual growth began under his father the Reverend B. F. Johnson, former pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, N.J. where he received his calling to preach and serve the Lord. He was ordained a Baptist minister on July 8, 1966 and continued to serve under his father.

His thirst for knowledge lead him to further his education at Columbia University, Seton Hall University and Kean College where he earned a Masters Degree in Education. Robert began his teaching career in Newark, N.J. at Montgomery Street School, creating employment programs for teenagers with special needs. In 1968, Robert’s calling for community service began when he was the 1st African American elected to the board of education in Springfield, N.J. were he resided with his family for 45 years.

Robert was called to pastor Hopewell Baptist Church in 1970 where he served until 2006 creating many programs that served the people of greater Newark, N.J. He also served as a member of the Black Churchman Association of New Jersey, and on the foreign mission board of the National Baptist Convention with his father. In 1970 he joined the Springfield Rotary Club where he later became a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honor given to a Rotarian for service in the community. In 1985 he was appointed by Governor Kean to serve as a commissioner on the Public Employment Relations Committee and in 1987 Governor Dean appointed him to serve on the board of trustees at the University of Medicine and Dentistry where he served until 1991. Robert also served as president of the Metropolitan Ecumenical Ministries, and was one of the original founders of the Metropolitan United Ministries Development Corporation with Reverend Teabout and Reverend Reagan, where they built affordable housing in the Newark community. In 2006 Robert decided with a heavy heart to retire from the ministries after serving as pastor of First Hopewell for 36 years. He and his wife moved to Wilmington, N.C. until the Lord called him home on March 9, 2008.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 60 years, Katherine L. Johnson, daughters Caprice L. Johnson of Irvington, N.J. and Robin L. Bennett of Wilmington, N.C.; two grandchildren Mia Nicole Johnson and Benjamin Everett Bennett, one son-in-law Benjamin F. Bennett, one brother Charles Wesley Johnson, and one sister Nellie Boone of Springfield, N.J.; three sisters-in-law Evelyn Johnson, Bernice Johnson of Springfield, N.J. and Thelma Osborne of Glencoe, IL, one brother-in-law Edward Osborne of Glencoe, IL and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 2222 S 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Arrangements are by Whigham Funeral Home, Newark, NJ 973-622-6872


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  • March 12, 2008
    Albert and Hannah Sidberry says:
    God Bless You

  • March 12, 2008
    Josephine B.Henry says:
    I was sorry to hear about your loss.He is in a better place now. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.Please feel free to call on me anytime. Josephine B.Henry

  • March 12, 2008
    veronica pigford says:
    He will be missed by us all. Mr. Johnson toughed the lives of my boys Keane' and L'Robert when he came to Ebenezer Baptist Church.L'Robert was so hurt when I shared the news with him. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers.

  • March 13, 2008
    REVEREND ANGELA RICH says:
    MY PRAYER IS THAT THE LORD CONTNUE TO BLESS YOU.

  • March 13, 2008
    WILLIE AND FRANCES RICH says:
    WE EXTEND OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOURS. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING WE ARE ONLY A PRAYER AWAY.