Fletcher Johnson

Fletcher Jesse Johnson was born Saturday, September 17, 1927 in Harleton, Texas to Jesse and Lucille (Buchanan) Johnson. Fletcher was the oldest of 15 (Raymond, Lynwood, Jessie Mae, Isaac, Helen, Obie, Zillary, James, Rayford, Arcolia, Lola, Charles, Gloria and Fred) and proudly took on the role of “Big Brother” ensuring that his brothers and sisters had what they needed even if it meant he went without. This generous approach for family continued throughout the life of Fletcher Jesse Johnson ~ he LOVED FAMILY! The Johnson family were dedicated members at the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Harleton, TX where Fletcher enjoyed singing in the choir. The Johnson family loved all outdoor activities to include fishing and hunting. Fletcher graduated High School in 1945. On January 17, 1946 Fletcher enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on October 1946 due to a pre-existing medical condition. Although, his tenure in the military was brief, he gave it all he had and was awarded a Victory Ribbon. In 1946 Fletcher moved to Denver, Colorado where the weather was agreeable for his asthmatic condition. Fletcher united with the Central Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. M. K. Curry in 1948. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1953; shared his alto/bass voice in the Senior Choir; Gospel Choir; Male Chorus; Gospel Travelers Quartet (serving as lead singer); Sunday School Superintendent; organized and served as Director of the Baptist Training Union; organized a Boy Scout Troup at Central and served as Scout Master. At the time of his passing, Fletcher had been a member at Central Baptist Church for 70 years! Central Baptist Church held a special place in the heart of Fletcher ~ for it was at Central where Fletcher met Lois (the daughter of Rev. W.O. and Mrs. BeLandis Mays) the love of his life. The two became one in 1958. “Fletch” as Lois lovingly calls him, shared a love for travel be it by rail, air or by sea within and outside of the United States ~ enjoyed all outdoor activities to include, yet not limited to fishing, hiking, camping and Oh, yes â₦ Fletcher was an avid golfer and was awarded a certificate acknowledging his “hole in one”. His golfing group consisted of Jerome Biffel; Judge James Flanagan and Charles and Craig Cousins. For many years the group (and their wives) would celebrate Thanksgiving in Las Vegas, NV where they could golf the entire holiday week. Although, Lois did not play golf, that did not hinder her participation, she served as Fletcher’s personal golf cart driver! Fletcher was a member of the East Denver Golf Association. Fletcher and Lois loved their four children (Darryl, Shelly, Scott and Renee) and broadened their travels to include the “must see places” for their children â₦ Canada, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Disneyworld, fishing, hiking, camping and all the other exciting outdoor activities and must-see locations. They were strong supporters of their children in whatever activities/ventures they were involved in. As their family grew, this love and support was also extended to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During the 1950’s, Fletcher demonstrated his trailblazing character by being the first dock and over the road trucker for the Denver/Chicago Trucking Company ~ an uncommon opportunity for people of color during that era. Fletcher put his Associate Degree into practice when he was hired at the U. S. Mint located in Denver, Colorado as a Machinist. Fletcher excelled at the position, yet in or about 1975, Mr. Bob Hollinsworth a notable businessman gave his Five Points Tamale Queen Stand along with the secret recipe for the chili dogs to Fletcher. Fletcher loved owning his own business and excelled at it. He was the main cook and served the best pig ear sandwiches in town! The business was expanded to Tamale Queen #2 which was located on Colfax and Pennsylvania. As in all his endeavors, Lois was right by his side cooking and serving the best sweet potatoe pies in town and greeting customers. Fletcher led a full, blessed life and was always concerned about those who had little or no voice, especially in the workplace. He facilitated the development and implementation of unionization at the U. S. Mint that provided a vehicle and voice for all. After retirement from the U. S. Mint, Fletcher was employed by The Denver Public School System (DPS) and found that the paraprofessionals at DPS had little or no voice in the workplace. He immediately went to work to facilitate and implement unionization using the same blueprint he used at the U. S. Mint. Both of these Unions still exist today due to Fletcher Jesse Johnson ~ a voice for the voiceless. Fletcher was Youth Director for VFW #3481; served two years as Vice President and two years as President for the American Federation of Government Employees; was a Board Member of the Denver Area Labor Federation; Member of the Community Service Committee; Member of the Civil Rights Committee and the Legislative Committee AFL and CIO. Fletcher’s greatest accomplishments was first being a Child of the King; Secondly, husband for almost 60 years to Lois Y. Johnson; and thirdly father to Darryl, Rochelle Shelly, William Scott and Nicole Renee; along with his grandchildren; Whittney, Morgan; Darryll II, Taylor, Brianna and Jaden; great-grandchildren Deva and Rylee. He loved his role of “Big Brother” to Raymond, Lynwood, Jessie Mae, Isaac, Helen, Obie, Zillary, James, Rayford, Arcolia, Lola, Charles, Gloria and Fred. Fletcher was a loyal friend, advisor and confidant to many, who never met a stranger and was always willing to share whatever he had been blessed with. Fletcher’s favorite song was, “Grace, God’s Grace” ~ The Holy Spirit showed up whenever he sang it. On the evening of Wednesday, April 4, 2018 you could almost hear that alto/bass voice of Fletcher singing â₦ “Grace, God’s Grace â₦ His Grace is Sufficient for Me” as he reached up and took the hand of our Master. You can imagine that wonderful laugh of Fletcher’s as he looked back and bid this ole world good-bye and then stepped over to join his parents, Jesse and Lucille; 3 brothers Raymond, Obie and Fred and 1 sister Zillary who pre-deceased him. Those left to cherish and celebrate a “life well lived” is his Wife of almost 60 years, Lois Y. Johnson; Children: Darryl (Nina) Johnson; Rochelle Shelly Johnson, William Scott Johnson and Nicole Renee (Robert) McReynolds all of Denver, Colorado. Grandchildren: Whittney Robinson- Johnson, Denver, Colorado; Morgan Johnson, Denver, Colorado; Darryl (Tiffany) Johnson, II, Longmont, Colorado; Taylor (Ty-Rhaje) Johnson, Fort Collins, Colorado; Brianna Boggs, Denver, Colorado and Jaden Boggs, Denver, Colorado. Great Grandchildren: Deva Johnson, Denver, Colorado and Rylee Johnson, Longmont, Colorado. Siblings: Lynwood Johnson, Jefferson, Texas; Jessie Mae Walker, Jefferson, Texas; Isaac (Narvell) Johnson, Jefferson, Texas; Helen (Rev. Luther) Palmer, San Diego, California; James (Mildred) Johnson, Jefferson, Texas; Rayford (Lois) Johnson, Fort Worth, Texas; Arcolia (Jimmy) Jenkins, Jefferson, Texas; Lola Pullum, Jefferson, Texas, Charles Johnson, Denver, Colorado; Gloria (Johnny) Kennard, Fort Worth, Texas. Brother-In-Laws: Dr. William Oscar Mays, Jr., Ann Arbor, Michigan and Rev. S. Damon (Dr. Juanita) Mays, Los Angeles, California; numerous nieces, nephews and family members, along with loving friends and acquaintances and his beloved Central Baptist Church family. Fletcher generously shared his wisdom and knowledge with a multitude of people (too numerous to name) and was lovingly considered a Father figure in their lives.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 843 West 100th Place Northglenn, Colorado
Visitation: 4/11/2018 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/12/2018 at 11:00 AM - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 4/12/2018 at 2:15:00 PM Staging Area C Ft. Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 4/12/2018 - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, Colorado