Obituary of Arley Johnson

In Loving Memory of Arley Johnson Arley Johnson transitioned from this life and received his wings in Glory on July 6, 2021. While Arley was a gift to us all, we take comfort in knowing that he now rests in the refuge of Yahweh, our God of eternal peace. “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Yeshua, (Jesus) died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” Thessalonians 4:13-14 The youngest of three children, he was born on October 24, 1969 in Philadelphia, PA to Dr. George Adolphus and Anna Johnson. He was educated in Philadelphia at Ivy Leaf School, Stevens School, and Friends Central School, where he made lifelong friends and was enlightened in his relationship with God. As a teen Arley enjoyed reading comic books and loved playing basketball and football. His passion was his music as he was obsessed with hip hop and worked hard to become a very popular 80’s DJ in the Philadelphia area. He was most known as DJ Lightnin Lee. In 1988 he recorded his first single titled ‘Big Time Chillin’ by Lightnin Lee and Poppy P. A second single would soon follow, a collaboration with Yvette Money And The Fresh Girls. In 1994, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Howard University. Arley returned home to Philadelphia and he began his career as an Occupational Therapist at Temple Hospital, he built lifelong friendships and served for almost 12 yrs. After the death of his beloved mother Anna, Arley lovingly chose to become the trusted guardian of his nieces and nephews, Lillian, Tamara, Archie and Abdul. In 1999, Arley married the love of his life, Stacey N. Allen. This union was blessed with two sons, Arley and Asa, and a daughter Savannah. Arley was a doting husband and an outstanding father. He had the patience of Job, always quick to hug and slow to judge. His family will always remember his unconditional love and support, silly jokes and his perpetual smile. In 2000 Arley crossed over into his beloved fraternity Omega Psi Phi Inc. NuNu Chapter. He was sponsored by a longtime friend, and was grateful for the support. He also inherited three line brothers for life. This was a special goal and he was very proud to have accomplished it. He also completed a much more significant goal in 2006 when he earned his Master of Science, Occupational Therapy. For over 16 years Arley worked in leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Director of Therapy Services at Good Shepherd Penn Partners overseeing acute therapies for Pennsylvania Hospital, Presbyterian, and University of Pennsylvania Hospital, where he took great joy in dedication to serving others. Arley made sure he knew everyone from the dedicated teams that served in housekeeping to the CEO. He never took anyone for granted and he was admired and loved by all. He was very active at his alma mater and the mastermind behind creating a pipeline between Howard University School of Allied Health and Hospital University Of Pennsylvania, in efforts to diversify the workplace. He returned to Howard often to help in various projects in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Arley mentored many inner-city youths hoping to encourage them to consider careers in Health Science. He also served on school and local community boards. Arley possessed a plethora of talent and experience and was very tactful in how to apply his knowledge in an assertive yet humble manner. Arley Johnson was a phenomenal man who led his life with integrity and dedication to community and serving others . We rest in knowing that he entered the kingdom of Paradise hearing the words we all should aim to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23 Greeted in Paradise by, Hattie Sattler, Robin Johnson, Dr. George Johnson, Anna Johnson, Ophelia Crawford, Archie Johnson, Gilbert Crawford Cherished in his loving memory and dedicated to continuing his legacy are his loving and committed wife, Stacey and children, Arley, Asa, and Savannah; his beloved brother, Adolphus and sister-in-law, Dana, aunt, Antoinette, cousins, Chrissy, Averell, Tonya and Tanya. mother-in-law, Cheryl, father-in-law, Preston, Grandmothers, Archie, and Alice. An abundance of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, Aunts and Uncles and Howard family, Friends Central family, Temple family, Friends of Mickleton Meeting, Friends Mullica Hill, Friends Village, loving neighbors and his beloved colleagues and work family. We will miss his contagious smile and sense of humor. His positive and cheerful spirit. He will forever remain in our hearts. While we will miss our beautiful Arley very much, we take comfort in knowing, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 I can only imagine our Love, entering those pearly gates and receiving his beautiful wings engraved in purple and gold script that reads Lightnin Lee Lives! Arley is always working creatively and serving, even in Paradise. Forever our Love, Stacey, Arley Aiden, Asa George, Savannah ZoLee