Bishop Johnie Johnson

Title

Bishop Johnie Johnson

Description

Bishop Johnie Johnson reflects on his early life growing up in Summerton, South Carolina, where his family lived and worked as sharecroppers on a plantation. They farmed to provide their own food, raised chickens, and made do with what they had—even creating light using a soda bottle. His oldest brother later moved to Goose Creek, South Carolina, for work, and the plantation owner helped relocate the family to the Marrington Plantation.

He also shares about being drafted into the Navy during World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He spent two years stationed in Hawaii. There is where he accepted his call into ministry.

In addition to his ministry, Bishop Johnson built a successful career in construction. He owned his own cement and brick masonry business—work he took pride in and which is now being carried on by his son.

The family remains at the heart of Bishop Johnson’s life. He thanks God for the peace and unity among his loved ones and fondly remembers how they made things work, even when the family had just one car.

In his free time, Bishop Johnson enjoys fishing and riding motorcycles

Subject Headings

African Americans—South Carolina; Cement industries; Clergy; Navy; World War, 1939–1945

interviewee

Bishop Johnie Johnson

interviewer

Troy McClain

Date

31 March 2025

Location

International African American Museum, Charleston, South Carolina

Language

English

Rights

Sean Evans retains the copyright on these records. Any usage of the digitized copy of these records should be cited as coming from the Center for Family History at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, United States, from the personal collection of Sean Evans Photography.