Carl Johnson Obituary

At the age of 83, when Carl W. Johnson's mission on Earth was complete and his legacy of resilience, determination, and perseverance was established within his family, Carl was welcomed back into the arms of our Heavenly Father on June 12, 2025. Carl "PaPa" Johnson lived a fulfilling life. He invited Jesus Christ into his heart at an early age to secure his return home to heaven. Carl became a member of Moore's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Cleveland, AR, where he held several key positions. He served as the Chairman of the Steward Board and as the Assistant Preacher Steward. Additionally, he was the head usher, a Sunday School teacher, and sang in the male chorus. Carl was the weekday, morning Bible study teacher and often acted as the master of ceremonies for special church events. He was an active member of the Center Community Committee. He volunteered with Bridge For Life Ministries (B4LM) for 16 years.
Carl's work ethics began at the age of 13 when he picked cotton for a few cents per week. At the age of 16, Carl began working on a cattle ranch in Cleveland, Arkansas. He later transitioned to a sawmill job in Cleveland. Eventually, Carl left the hot fields to work indoors at Morton Frozen Foods (ConAgra) in Russellville, Arkansas, followed by positions in Morrilton, Arkansas at Crompton Cotton Mill and Arrow Automotives. After that, he retired from Virco Manufacturing in Conway, Arkansas at the age of 67. Carl was also a volunteer firefighter for the Cleveland Fire Department, and a pitcher for the Center Community Baseball Team.
Carl Johnson was preceded in death by his mother, Josie Ross; his father, Matthew Littlejohn, Sr.; stepfather Bill Johnson; his sister Bervine (Johnson) Rosbia; his father-in-law Freddie Ross; his step-grandchild Tra Miller, and his best friend, Herman Canady.
He leaves behind his amazing, patient, and caregiving wife of 60 years, Myree Johnson, in Cleveland, AR. He is also survived by three children: Paula Miller (Christopher) in Conway, AR; Cordell Johnson in Conway, AR; and Sheila Miller (Antwan) in Haslet, TX. Carl leaves his legacy to eight grandchildren: Dwayne McCray, Jr. (Jalia) in Olive Branch, MS; Denzel Johnson in Conway, AR; Darrian Johnson in Conway, AR;Bryton Miller in Fayetteville, AR; JiKari Miller in Dallas, TX; Jaili Miller and Kimora Miller in Haslet, TX. Additionally, his legacy to four great-grandchildren: Jacob McCray, Aarrin Johnson, Noah Johnson, and Zayia Johnson, as well as two step-grandchildren: Chantiel Miller and Chaulis Miller.
He is also survived by three brothers: Reverend Willie Johnson in Cleveland, AR; Matthew Littlejohn, Jr., in Fayetteville, NC; and Eural Littlejohn in Jacksonville, FL. He leaves behind one uncle, Doyle Johnson, in Kansas City, MO, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will continue to tell his life's stories and cherish those memories.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him."
Romans 15:13
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