Obituary of Aaron Johnson

Life Story

Aaron Anthony Johnson was born on May 27, 1957 to the late Samuel E. Johnson and Lillian Johnson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On July 18, 2019, Aaron Anthony Johnson received his crown of glory surrounded by his loving family and close cousins. 

Aaron, affectionately known as Tony, received his early education within the Philadelphia, Pa. public school system. Aaron attended Philadelphia’s Lamont AME Church, where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. In 1971, the family moved to Willingboro, NJ, where he received the remainder of his   formal education. During his tenure at Willingboro High School, he was active on the track and football teams. Aaron often would tell the story of how he beat Carl Lewis at a foot race when Carl Lewis was their paperboy.

After graduating from Willingboro High School, Aaron served in the United States Army - both active and reserve duty. In 1982, Aaron became employed by the New Jersey Department of Corrections at Mid State Prison, located at Fort Dix, NJ. Aaron later transferred to Riverfront State Prison in Camden, NJ, where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Aaron retired from the Department of Corrections (DOC) on November 1, 2007. While   employed for the DOC, he gained many friendships that would last a lifetime. 

In the early 80’s, Aaron (Tony) began dating the love of his life, Rebecca L. Dickerson. On April 28, 1984, Aaron and Rebecca were married. To this union they were blessed with three children: Vanessa Michele, Andre Reginald, and Anthony Samuel. After becoming a father, Aaron’s number one focus was his family: a.k.a. his “CREW”. On weekends when his children were young, he could be found outside washing cars with his princess or at sporting events with his twin boys. Aaron also enjoyed taking family vacations with his crew and often would tell those who were driving to “keep it between the lines.” 

After retiring from the DOC, Aaron enjoyed spending quality time with his wife. They were often seen driving around Willingboro, “securing the neighborhood,” taking trips together, and spoiling their grandchildren rotten. We will deeply miss his endless stories about 1967, the echoing sound of his voice calling out “Becky” from the living room, and his undying care and  concern for every member of his “CREW”.

His father and one brother, Derek Muhammad, predeceased Aaron. He leaves to cherish his memory devoted wife Rebecca Dickerson-Johnson; daughter Vanessa Michele (Derek) of Bear, Delaware; two sons: Andre Reginald of Willingboro, NJ, and Anthony Samuel (Jessica) of Gainesville, VA; three grandchildren, Isaiah M. Johnson, Briele M. Johnson and Zoe N. Johnson; his mother Lillian Johnson of Gresham, SC; one brother Steven (Teresa) of Pennsauken, NJ; one sister, Sandra Johnson of Willingboro, NJ; four sister-in-law, Rene Howell of Philadelphia, PA. Judith Baylor of Willingboro, NJ,   Gwendolyn Miller (Gregory) of Delaware, Linda St. Clair (Joseph) of Edgewater Park, NJ; one brother-in-law Lawrence High of Columbus, Ohio; special aunt Annie L. Dickerson; his special nephew Nicholas C. Smith (aka his unofficial son); his close cousins Earl and Sheila Johnson, Shawn Tennie, Brian Baggett, and Sherrie Johnson. He leaves behind lifelong friends Bryon Wilson, Michael Robinson, and James Cleveland, Army buddy Cornelius   Johnson, as well as close DOC friend Aris Williams and a host of nieces,  nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Delaware, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other relatives.