Michael Jerome Johnson

Michael Jerome Johnson, 67, of Texarkana, TX, passed away suddenly from natural causes on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Houston, TX. 

Michael was born May 26, 1957, in Elkhart, IN to the union of the late LJ and Ruth (Robinson) Johnson.  He leaves behind his devoted wife and high school sweetheart, Charissa C. Barnes.  

Michael’s love prospers on through his wife Charissa along with his only son Benjamin (Karren) Johnson of Wichita Falls, TX;  daughters: Elizabeth Johnson of Indianapolis, IN and Kendra (Maurice) Johnson of Houston, TX; Bonus daughters: Krystal Patterson of Houston, TX, Ohemaa and Fezeka Barnes of Texarkana, TX; grandchildren: Sadaja Riddick-Johnson, Jayden Johnson, Priest Webb, Dominic Moss and Tahj Chandler: Bonus Grandchildren: JaCoby Gary, RaeAnn Turner, Kason Patterson and Natalie Fontenot: Two bonus great-grandchildren:  Gavyn and Naomi.

Michael is also survived by his siblings Larry (Toni) Johnson of South Bend, IN, Tony Johnson of Fishers, IN, Gary (Iris) Johnson, Marvin (Cynthia) Johnson, and Ann Renee Calhoun all of Elkhart, IN and a community of esteemed friends and loved ones who think the world of him.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Isaiah and Robin Johnson; his sister-n-love, Susan Johnson and his bonus son Anthony Robinson.

Michael attended Elkhart Community Schools. He was a proud graduate of Elkhart Central High School’s class of 1975. 

Micheal was employed in the “Energy Sector” with the TPC Group in Houston, TX, as Manager, Operations Training.  

Michael started his career by being employed by Miles Laboratories, later known by the name of its parent company, Bayer AG, for 17 years. While working full-time to provide for his family, Michael earned his BS in Human Resource Management from Bethel College in 1993, and his MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1995. 

In 1998, Michael and his family relocated to Texas, where they resided first, in Missouri City, and later in Fort Worth until 2006. From there, Michael made professional transitions that took him to Three Rivers, MI; Oahu, HI; Phoenix, AZ; Texarkana, TX; Lake Charles, LA; Rochester, NY; and finally, Houston, TX, where he regularly commuted to/from his permanent home in Texarkana, TX.  

Michael’s family meant the world to him. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a passionate sports enthusiast and athletic mentor to many. He was dedicated to supporting and encouraging the young athletes of his family in their achievements in volleyball, track and field, swimming, football, cheer and triathlons.  As a spirited basketball fan, he shared his love of the game as a trainer, a coach, and a proud uncle and father.  

Micheal was an avid writer of poetry and also found time to be active in each community where he resided including being a member of the NAACP.

The funeral service for Michael will be hosted on Friday, May 30, at St James AME Church, 122 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Elkhart, IN 46516. Michael began his life with Christ at St James, and he sustained a life-long membership with the congregation. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The celebration of life will begin at 12 p.m. 

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