Andrew David Johnson
2 MIN. READ
Rev. Dr. Andrew David Johnson, Sr., 63, of Accokeek, Maryland, made his peaceful departure on Sunday, January 21, 2018.
David, as his family called him, was born on July 25, 1954, to Elder Thomas and Mamie B. Johnson in Pinola, Mississippi, the eighth of ten children. In 1962 the Johnson Family relocated to Chicago, Illinois where David spent his adolescent and teenage years. In 1976, Andrew married Yvonne Wright and began their family in 1977, in Houston, Texas. In 1975 David enrolled at Bay Ridge Christian College, Kendleton, Texas and completed his bachelor’s degree in religious education in 1981. After graduation, he and the family returned to Jackson, Mississippi where he worked as an x-ray technician. In the summer of 1982 he moved to Anderson, Indiana to pursue his Master of Divinity at Anderson University’s School of Theology. In 1986, after completing his degree, Dave returned to Mississippi to pastor Atlanta Street Church of God, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. While in Hattiesburg he also served his community by founding outreach programs such as The House of Hope, providing food and clothing, but most importantly the word and the love of God. His servant’s heart birthed a desire to not only serve his fellow man, but his country, and in 1988 he enlisted into the United States Air Force.
Chaplain First Lieutenant, Andrew David Johnson’s first duty assignment was to McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas, where he served as the Protestant Chaplain for the Gospel Service. Chaplain Johnson went on to serve at many duty stations including Peterson AFB and the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Eareckson AFB, Anchorage, Alaska; Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi, Bolling AFB and The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Hickam AFB, Oahu, Hawaii; and Eglin AFB, near Valparaiso, Florida. Chaplain Johnson, AKA “Andy”, had a military career decorated with many honors, awards, and accomplishments, but he was most proud of serving in three wars: The Gulf War, The Bosnian War, and The Iraq War. When he wasn’t busy fighting wars, “Chap Johnson” was touring the United States with his Gospel Choirs, showing off the talents of his fellow servicemen and women and their families. He was very proud of his congregants and loved to spend time with them traveling, cooking out, and playing games; especially dominoes, he was a beast at bones. Chaplain Major Andrew D. Johnson retired after 17 years of military service.
In 2013, David returned to Maryland to pursue a life dream, of becoming Dr. Johnson. That dream was realized in May of 2017 when he graduated from Howard University with his Doctorate of Ministry and was awarded for Most Outstanding Doctoral Project and Scholarship by his professors. Andy was a man who truly lived life and would tell you that God owed him nothing. He was highly educated, well-traveled, and had a special way with words, but he was country boy at heart and proud of it. He cherished most of all his family and friends and was loved by everyone!
Andrew David leaves to cherish his memory his wife Tonya (Merriweather) Johnson; his daughters Yasmin (Rene Narcisse), Amaris (Gabriel Flores), Danielle (Eddie Baccus, Jr.), Gabrielle (Calvin Gatherwright); his sons Andrew (Jazzmyn), and Joshua; his sister Elnora (Carstell Holloway); his brothers Henry (Willie Mae), Paul (Irma), Samuel (Wanda), and Daniel (Daphne); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.