George W. Johnson,'s Obituary
George W. Johnson Jr George W. Johnson Jr. passed away Saturday, March 15, 2008 at age 76. Born to the Rev. George W. and Earlene Caldwell Johnson, in Cameron, Milam County, Texas, both parents, an unnamed sister, and his brother, Douglas, preceded him in death. His grandparents raised him until he graduated as Salutatorian of his senior class. Upon graduation, he entered and worked his way through Prairie View A&M University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree and later a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Pacific Lutheran University. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and received an honorable discharge as a Captain 9th Infantry, U.S. Army. George leaves to celebrate his memory, his life long soul mate, high school classmate and sweetheart, Velma Turner; children, Beverly (Artis), Darryl (Barbara), Patrice, George IV, and Larry who preceded him in death; six grandchildren; sister, Gloria Hardiman; great aunt, Pearl Caldwell; sister-in-law, Morene Douglas (Marvin); cousin, Gloria Washington and niece, Richaes Hanks and five great-grandchildren. George was employed by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity and Development Council (ODI) in 1965 (later renamed Metropolitan Development Council (MDC). In 1968, he was named and served as Executive Director until he resigned to accept a gubernatorial appointment and was the first African-American to direct a social program in Tacoma-Pierce County. In 1972, George was appointed by then Governor Daniel J. Evans to the Parole Board for a five-year term. He became the first African-American to be confirmed by the State Senate to serve in that capacity. George was re-appointed and confirmed by an additional four succeeding Governors: Dixie Lee Ray (1977), John Spellman (1982), Booth Gardner (1986) and Mike Lowry (1993). He retired on July 1995 with the distinction of being the longest continuously tenured parole board member in the United States. He was active in local and State organizations: American Corrections Association, National Criminal on Crimes & Delinquency Association of Paroling Authorities, International (Vice President 1980-82), Washington Corrections Association, Tacoma Black Collective, Tacoma NAACP (lifetime member), Tacoma Urban League and Retired Public Employees - Chapter 12, as well as the Executive Board of his high school alumni and undergraduate class associations. He truly enjoyed playing bridge with the Town and Country Bridge Club. George was a deacon, member and officer of St. John Baptist Church and served in many capacities until his death. He believed "to whom much is given, much is required." The family wishes to thank everyone for their compassion, phone calls and prayers. Many sincere thanks to Lorrin Yee, M.D., oncologist and his staff, at St. Joseph Hospital for their attentive care. A viewing will be held on Friday from 1-9 pm at the Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington. A celebration of his life will be held at St. John Baptist Church, in Tacoma at l:00 pm on Saturday, March 22, 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. John Baptist Church Scholarship Fund or the American Cancer Society.
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