Mrs. Joselyn Johnson

JOHNSON, Mrs. Joselyn - Age 74, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Regency of Grand Blanc. Family hour 10:00 AM Saturday, August 23, 2025 at St. James C.O.G.I.C., 2229 W. Carpenter Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Robert Smith Jr., officiating. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Saturday, August 23, 2025. Mrs. Johnson will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed Friday, August 22, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Missionary Joselyn Johnson slipped peacefully into the arms of her Savior early Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, in the comfort of her bed. She was born July 30, 1951, in Richmond, Indiana, the only child of the union of Andrew Longmire and Carrie Lee Foster. At the age of two, she moved with her family to Flint, Michigan, where she matriculated through the Beecher School System, graduating from Beecher High School in 1969. Subsequently, she earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Mott Community College in 1980. In 1969, she married Robert Earl Martion Sr., and to this union was born her beloved, only son, Robert Earl Martion, Jr. In 1991, she married Deacon Burnal Johnson, with whom she shared 19 blissful years of love, gardening, cooking, and enjoying life until his passing in 2010. For decades, Joselyn dedicated her life to serving children and senior adults with mental and physical challenges as a Elementary School Paraprofessional and Direct Care provider. She had a heart for those Jesus called “the least of these.” A true servant. She often mentioned that Mother Gilda Smith prophesied to her that she would be a caregiver for seniors, as she gladly came out of retirement to be a caregiver for Mother Smith recently, ushering her into heaven. She gave her life to Christ at an early age at St. James Church of God in Christ, 4401 Selby Street, and remained a faithful life-long member. She was a licensed missionary and served tirelessly in numerous capacities: custodian, deaconess, missionary, Sunday School teacher for over 40 years, church advisory mother, president of the Prayer and Bible Band, coordinator of the YWCC, Chief Conductor of visitation for the sick and shut-in, Director of Outreach Ministries at Slidell Homes, and President of the Church Beautification Committee. She also directed the children’s choir, The Angelic Voices. Her favorite scriptures were Proverbs 3:5-7, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil.” And Jeremiah 32:27, “I am the LORD... Is there anything too hard for Me?” Joselyn was known for her selflessness—always helping others, making custom blankets with scriptures, baking for loved ones, and sharing encouraging words. She never forgot special occasions, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with thoughtful, loving gifts. She was a diehard fan of the University of Michigan. Her style was impeccable, her smile welcoming, and her personality full of sass. As she would say, “Sho’nuff!” Missionary Joselyn Johnson leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Deacon Robert Earl Martion Jr. (Dionne) of Flint, MI; special daughter, Devonne Smith (Jerome); grandchildren, Justice Martion, Deonte Gaddy, Quashawn Gaddy (Skai), Ramiah Martion, Isaiah Gaddy (“Can I, Can I”), Dylan Smith, and Davion Smith; great-grandchild, Solace Gaddy; brothers, Antoinne Longmire (Tanya) of Calera, AL, Andre Longmire (Angelic) of Covington, GA, and Shango Chatman of Texas; sisters, April Warren of Flint, MI, and Courtney Brown of Flint, MI; Cousin, Jerry Marshall of Minnesota: special sister-in-love, Nadine Alexander of Flint, MI, and Special friend- Deacon, Vernon Stewart of Flint, MI, along with the New St. James Memorial COGIC & White Cloud Empowerment Centers North/South family, and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones. Missionary Johnson was preceded in death by her father, Andrew Longmire; her mother, Carrie Lee Justice; and her husband, Deacon Bernal Johnson. Her legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mrs. Joselyn Johnson

July 30, 1951 - August 6, 2025