Tony Johnson

Tony Johnson was born July 19, 1966 to John E Johnson, Sr. and Barbara J. Johnson (nee Autman); he, was the third child born to this union. Growing up Tony was affectionally known as  “Red” and “Fish” and as he grew older, he became known as "Tony Bump" by his friends and peers. Tony was a very particular person who liked to dress well and paid much attention to his appearance. Tony would not step out of the house without ensuring his crease in his jeans was just right, his shirt was starched to the max and his shoes were scuff mark free.  He would spend hours preparing to get dressed which included many back and forth appearances in front of a mirror to make sure everything was just right. He would always seek a secondary opinion of others by asking, "How do I look or do I look good" and would not leave you alone until you answered him. 

Tony was a loving person with a big heart for family and friends. He believed in the family connection and would oftentimes be heard saying, “I love my family”. He had a tremendous love for children and cared deeply for all of his own children, his nieces, his nephews and all of the neighborhood children. No matter what he was doing in his personal life, he always took time out for family and the children in his circle by planning field trips to the Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Lake Front,  Shedd Aquarium and other attractions. Tony would oftentimes, make pallets on the floor and invite the kids and the parents to come over to spend family time together; while watching cartoons, movies and eating his bar-b que. Tony was fond of his children and played an integral role in their lives. He was privileged to be the father of Kevin, Lil Tony, Nakesha, Jecobe, Barbara Jean, Ashton, Aaliya, Israel, and Roshad. Shambria and Donovan.

He was educated and reared in the Lockport Township, Joliet Township and Job Corps. 

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, John Johnson (1992) and Barbara (1997), one son, Tony Johnson, Jr; His paternal grandmother, Susie Jordan; his maternal grandparents, Adolph and Daisy Autman. His aunt, Annie Bell Autman and uncles, Fritz Autman, Ado Autman, Jr., Leonard, Gregory, and Patrick Jordan.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories, his dearly beloved children, Kevin, Nakesha, Jecobe, Barbara Jean, Ashton, Aaliya, Israel, and Roshad; his grandchildren; Nakevia, Khalil, Kamron, Kardea, Kamyiah, Khalia, Kaston, JaNiya, Jaylon and his siblings: Betty Autman, John E Johnson, Jr, both of Joliet, IL, Delores (Frankie) Jenkins, Ellenwood, GA; Linda Johnson, (Rosline); Joliet, IL, Minister Dale (Keona) Johnson, Sr., Bolingbrook, IL; Terri (Rev. Dr. Michael A) Holmes, Jacksonville, FL, Brian K Johnson, Tonya and Jonathan Spiva all of Illinois and his uncles, aunts and many cousins. 

Tony was loved and adored by many as he truly embodies the term a people person. He never met a stranger and would welcome many into his circle and his home.

If love alone could have kept him here, he would still be with us today. 

Tony was introduced to Christ at an early age by his grandfather the late Deacon Ado Autman, Sr. who instilled values and the importance of accepting Christ into your heart. Tony recommitted himself to that relationship and came to God for himself before he departed this life. 

As we miss him and reflect on the many memories of our dearly departed, we take comfort in knowing his pain and heartaches on this side, are no more. 

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tony Johnson, please visit our floral store.