The Celebration of Life, Charles E. Johnson a.k.a. The Mayor of Sweet Auburn, 3/17/1940-11/28/2010, Friday, November 5, 2010, 11:00 AM, Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312, Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D., Pastor, Officiating

~~!!!~

Charles E. Johnson

a.k.a



THE MAYOR of Sweet Auburn

3/17/1940-11/&8/EOIO
Friday, November 5, 2010 11:00 AM
Ebenezer Baptist Church
407 Auburn Avenue Atlanta, GA 30312
Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D., Pastor, Officiating

Obituary
Charles Johnson was born March 17, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, to the parents of Helen and Eugene Johnson. He was the fourth of nine siblings. Two preceded him in death. He was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. He attended the Philadelphia College of Bible and was ordained into the Baptist ministry. In 1957 he married Roberta Gambrell and into this union four children were born, Charles, Deborah, Michael, and Deneen. (Charles preceded him in death). Many years later, he and Roberta divorced. In 1989 he married Sylvia Arnold. They also divorced. He took on her son, Khalil, as his own.
Charles always had a love for life and swimming was one of his favorite pastimes. For many years he was employed in the vital statistics department for the Philadelphia government. Later he followed his heart and entered the entrepreneurial arena and was a successful, savvy businessman. His professional background spans over several decades as an astute businessman and entrepreneur, beginning in Philadelphia, PA, as a marketing consultant. Recognizing the need for entrepreneurs to gain an edge in the marketplace, he expanded his networks and engaged in the political arena; working on campaigns for Congressman Bill Gray, Mayor Wilson Goode and Presidential Candidate Jesse Jackson. This gave him inspiration to organize small businesses to fight for more business opportunities.
Mr. Johnson relocated to Atlanta in 1984. Charles often told the story of how he ended up on Auburn Ave. He soon established his business, Second Office on Auburn Avenue. He quickly became involved in the business development and expansion initiatives and was instrumental in restoring a number of businesses as well and bringing new businesses to the Sweet Auburn community. He reached out to the community in numerous ways. One of his effective initiatives was the Young Entrepreneurs of America. As a Cluster Coordinator for the Atlanta Project Grady Cluster, he created a number of other community programs. His civic involvement

includes: The Concerned Black Clergy, former Mayor Bill Campbell's Dream Jamboree Committee, Board member of The Butler Street YMCA and was passionate about the Hungry Club. He was an activist with the Afscme Union, a member of The International Graphics and Communications Union, and a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Union. In 2009, he established the Heroes and Heroines Awards Luncheon to recognize the achievements of many heroes and heroines in the Atlanta Community. Among his many responsibilities, he found the time to serve as a frequent guest lecturer in Marketing for Beulah Heights University. Charles has been featured in many publications and the media for his work in the community and the Sweet Auburn initiatives. He has received numerous awards for leadership and community impact, including Rainbow Push, YMCA, SCLC, Old Fourth Ward and Liberty Baptist Church.
Charles was the founder of the Spirit of Sweet Auburn, President of the Sweet Auburn Business and Improvement Association, and the Executive Producer of the Sweet Auburn Springfest, for which he exhibits an incredible passion. When he took over the Sweet Auburn Festival in 1993, he quickly gave it a fresh presence, turning it into a diverse festival that includes arts, literature, business, technology and the environment. The Festival captures an audience of approximately 350,000- 500,000 annually along with numerous sponsors from among Atlanta's top corporations and businesses. Rewarding his commitment for being a tireless catalyst and effective voice for busi- ness development and improvement on Auburn Avenue, what he calls ~~The greatest street on the plant", he fondly became known as the ~~Mayor of Sweet Auburn District."
Dubbed as a technology guru, Charles leaves a legacy of serving others and will be greatly missed by a broad community. He was a great family man. He loved his family. That's what kept him going. He leaves to cherish precious memories, three children, Deborah Johnson Kadle of Fayetteville, NC, Michael Johnson of Philadel-
phia,Pa, Deneen Johnson Jordan of Atlanta, Ga, a step-son, Khalil Islam of Atlanta, Ga.,

brothers, Eugene Johnson, William Johnson (Wife, Penny) and George Johnson (Wife, Ethel) all of Philadelphia, sister, Josephine Smith (Husband, Molton), of Denver, CO, Lillian Johnson of Philadelphia, ten grandchildren, Charles, Kiah, Clay, D.Ayisha, Kevin, Khaleel, Hassan, Tariq, Malachi and Mychael and one great grandson, Jamari. He also leaves to morn, his extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Order of Service
Prelude Processional ...................................... Blessed Assurance ... Hymn 508 Solo ............................................ . .................... Mr. Clark King Scripture Reading
Old Testament. ........ Job: 19 25-27State Representative, Mike Glanton New Testament. .......Matthew 5: 3-12 ..... . .................... Isaac Farris Prayer of Comfort ......................................Rev. Dr. Michael Harris Solo ................................................................ Ms. Tiara Lamm Remarks
Family Reflections ....................Children Reflections ..... : ........................City Councilman, Kwanza Hall City of Atlanta, Tracey Reed (brother of The Honorable Mayor Reed)
Georgia House Representative, Tyrone Brooks Former Mayor, Shirley Franklin Friend ..................................................... Dr. Betty Glover Palmer Solo..............................................................Mr.David Militello Eulogy.......................................... Rev. Raphael G.Wamock, Ph.D Recessional................................. Soon and Very Soon ............ Hymn 19 Special thanks Repast will follow immediately at the Butler Street YMCA, J D. Winston Branch (For immediate family & closest friends)

Dad
God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The worth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing else to add, He knew his masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it... Dad.
Your Daughter, Deneen Johnson Jordan
Flower Attendants
Charlotte Cain Janice Reid
Carolyn Hartfield Dr. Marla O'Hara
Patricia White

Daddy Dearest
My Dearest Daddy you will be truly missed, you had a loving, calm, and relaxed personality, that assured me that whatever in my life I was going through that it would be alright. No matter what you may have been going through you kept that humor that everyone fell in love with, those who knew you well know that you always wished everyone a fantastic day. Daddy you fought a good fight, the battle is over and you left this life a winner because not only did you impact my life you touched so many lives and I'm so proud to your daughter. Farewell my Dearest Daddy, and you have a Fantastic Day ((up there".
Your Daughter, Deborah Johnson Kadle

Acknowledgements
Thank you for your prayers, for spending time with us and the many, many other expressions of kindness, thoughts, words, and deeds during our time of bereavement. We give thanks.
Special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Willhoite, The Soul Food Museum. Special thanks to Chanterelle's Cafe & Catering. Special thanks to Jimmy Hodges, underground commander of Atlanta Fire and Rescue.
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home I003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta, Ga
Program by://~E "'R/ew: 678.683.2291