Jonathan Paul Johnson's Obituary
Jonathan Paul Johnson, born on April 15, 1996, at Norfolk General in Norfolk, VA, passed away in Jackson Mississippi, on November 16, 2026, at the age of 29. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, godson, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. Jonathan, being well-spoken, was known for his quiet demeanor, generous heart, unwavering dedication to God, his family, his church, his students at school, his friends, and his service to the community.
From infancy to the age of two, Jonathan attended daycare in the private home of the late Pastor Shirley Coleman who spoiled him and spoke God's word over him. She affectionally called him Pablo and everyone knew he was her favorite. Jonathan's formal education began at New Hope Christian Pre-School and Elementary School where he received a God-centered, Christ-honoring education. New Hope laid a foundation that propelled his faith with the motto, "If God is in it, we can do it!" He attended Clinton Public Schools from seventh to twelfth grade and graduated in May 2014. Jonathan attended and graduated from Mississippi College in December 2020 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in Sociology. Throughout these years he developed a love for music and played the trombone in the marching band, symphonic winds, and jazz band.
Jonathan had a real relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He accepted Christ as his Savior at nine years old at Morning Star Baptist Church where his father, Rev. John Johnson, serves as Pastor. He surrendered his life to the call to ministry in 2018. Studying the Bible was an important part of every day. While a student at MS College, he joined Chi Alpha and studied many hours in small group Christian studies. As a member of Morning Star, he served in many capacities as a member of the usher ministry, children's church, Youth ministry, Team G and the Audio/Visual Ministry. He taught children in Vacation Bible School and championed the Compassion International Ministry that provides for children in need all over the world. He led Morning Star Church in supporting Compassion Sunday.
Over the years, he made a lasting impact through his work. At Lifeway Christian Bookstore, he developed a love for the Bible and assisting others to find resources to strengthen their spiritual growth. He had a genuine love for children and spent his adult life ensuring their lives were made better. He served as an advocate for children at the MS Child Protective Services and he provided support and guidance for children at Canopy Solutions Psychiatric Treatment Residential Facility. Most dear to his heart were his years serving as an Exceptional Education teacher assistant at Spann Elementary School where he loved his "babies", was committed to them receiving a quality education, remaining safe, and receiving equity in all areas by making sure his students had what other students had.
Jonathan's hobbies included cooking and music. He loved to cook and would often make special dishes for family and for his dialysis family. Music was second-nature to him and a natural gift that he embraced while playing the trombone from junior high through college. He had an opportunity to play in a concert with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He also learned that he had perfect pitch. Over the last two years, he spent most of his time taking lessons on the guitar and piano.
Jonathan is survived by father, John R. Johnson, Jr., his mother Paulette Campbell Johnson, his sister Joy Nichole Johnson, his grandparents John R. Johnson, Sr and Dorothy Ann Johnson, three aunts, Wanda (Danny) Wilson, Evelia Collins, and Jeanelle (Tristian) Marshall, six first cousins, Arsharmini (Justin) Jackson, Morgan (Jennie Mallory) Marshall , Zorin Wilson, Jordan Marshall, Keyanna Wilson and Lanae Williams; godparents, Willis and Vera Finley, plus a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Jonathan will be deeply missed by his extended family, church family, Spann Elementary and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Paul and Lillie Campbell.
Jonathan's favorite scripture reflects his earthly end goal.
“For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help. I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy. Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban." Job 29:12-14 NLT
His legacy of love, generosity, and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.
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