Joseph Johns was born on April 2, 1937 in Brundidge, Alabama to Oscar Johns and Victoria Pearson Johns who both preceded him in death. He was the oldest of three children; Anne (Jackson) and Mary Asare. Preceding him in death were his brother Oscar “ Bud” Johns, brother Jeffrey Johns and sister Inez Leonard. He graduated from Pike County Training School in May of 1955 and shortly after joined the United States Air Force. He met and married Lessie Mae Youngblood in 1959… From this union Marcella Denise (McMillan) and Charles Edward Johns were lovingly welcomed. He later met and married Frances (Wilkins) Johns and remained married for 27 years until his demise.
He nobly served his country in the United States Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War years, advancing in rank to the level of Master Sergeant E-7, until he was Honorably discharged from the military in 1975. He moved to Hollydale ( Springfield Township) into one of the original homes built in the then all African American Community. He served as President of the Hollydale Civic Association for 20 years. Joe was very proud of his community and joyfully reigned over his “Community Front porch”where many young and old residents were enlightened with his special wisdom on a variety of topics that were always uplifting and culturally inspiring. Joe also produced and hosted a cable television program named “In and Around 452” for 20 years. It featured local community based African American businesses in the 452 zipcode. Joe was extremely proud of his heritage and every conversation with him was about the betterment and advancement of African Americans both locally and globally. He was honored with the WBLZ radio “Hometown Hero Award” for his community activism. Joe also found time to work an additional 20 years after retirement from the Air Force in a local plastics company until he finally retired in 1999. He was an avid reader and teacher. He loved woodworking and crossword puzzles and he loved to shop for bargains. He was very rich in spirit and loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
Left to cherish his most precious memories are his wife of 27 years, Frances L Johns, two children Marcella Denise McMillan ( Terence), Charles E Johns; four step children, Tassy Dia, Cynthia Talbert, Pamela Jackson and Charmagne Robinson; nine grandchildren, Kiara McMillan, Mariah McMillan, Imani McMillan, James Talbert Jr, Virgil Adam Talbert, Renee Robinson, Michael Robinson, Daniel Franklin and Brandon Franklin; eight great-grandchildren, two sisters; Ann Jackson, Mary Asare, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and beloved friends.