Lawrence Johnson Obituary

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
A Time to be Born
Lawrence Bennett Johnson, Jr. was born on June 4, 1956 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Lawrence Bennett Johnson, Sr. and Erdell Howard Johnson. His father was especially elated to become a father to his first son at age 44.
A Time to Plant
Lawrence's school teacher mother and hardworking father expected good grades.
"Little" Lawrence's view of work and manhood came from"Big" Lawrence's stories of experiences in the early 20thcentury. As a 2nd grader at Holy Ghost Catholic School,Lawrence received his 1st Holy Communion at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
As a youth, neighborhood play, organized little league, and his mother's influence of her love for the game of football would impact his life to choose football as his number one sport at W. H. Lanier High School.
At Lanier High, Lawrence excelled and was active in a plethora of extra-curricular activities including serving as Mr. Lanier his senior year. Because of his athletic abilityand academic excellence in high school, several college recruiters knocked at his door. Excited to play in collegeand not knowing what to expect, he signed a football scholarship in 1974 to attend the University of Mississippi(Ole Miss). He joined the third class of (9) African-American football players on the team. As an outstanding defensive lineman, he made 2nd Team All SEC in 1975, Team Captain in 1978 and lettered four years. During his playing days as a student athlete, he was affectionallyknown as "Teddy Bear".
Graduation in 1979 was a proud day when he received hisBachelor of Business Administration degree and his commission as 1st lieutenant in the United States Army.
A Time to Love
Joined in holy matrimony on August 16,th, 1980, Lawrence united in faith and love for forty-four years with the love of his life, Nancy Eiland Jackson. This union was blessed with two sons, Lawrence Bennett Johnson, III and Langston Jackson Johnson.
His college "sweetheart" and wife reminded him during their final months that the vow "in sickness and in health" is a devotion like no other. "I am here to take care of you and to love you. I believe in us."
A Time to Build Up
After serving three years active duty as a field artillery officer in the Army, at Fort Hood, Texas, Lawrence received an honorable discharge and finished his other three-year commitment in the National Guard.
Lawrence moved to Jackson and was hired at (MP&L) Entergy in 1982. He handled various professional and managerial duties in the Customer Service Department for Entergy of Mississippi, Entergy of New Orleans and Entergy of Louisiana and the Customer Service Support Department for Entergy (ESL). Lawrence was appointed Regional Customer Service Manager and Government Affairs in 2012, bringing him back to his beloved home community where he retired in 2021.
In New Orleans in 1997, he was given an opportunity to attend Tulane University for the Executive (MBA) Master of Business Administration highlighted with a trip to France, Belgium, and England to study international business. Lawrence's sense of humor was always present; he often quipped that he did not pay for either of his higher education degrees!
Through every season of life, Lawrence embraced the moments given to him and lived with purpose. His desire to make a difference in the lives of others was his strongest trait. This wish led to Lawrence stepping out of retirement working part-time as a lobbyist for Entergy at the Mississippi State Capitol.
He treasured his home state and the local communities that he served. His passion for youth and seeing others excel drove him to help anyone who reached out. He also loved The Lanier Bulldogs with great passion, serving on various committees, mentoring students at the school and was honored in 2019 as Alumni of the Year. His last major act as a Bulldog was serving on the executive committee of the Lanier High School 100 Year Anniversary Celebration and Gala held in June 2025. He is 833 for Life in every way and lived the spirit!
Lawrence came to know so many people because he could connect with a story, an experience, or evaluate an issue to find a solution for customers and/or staff with any project.If you listened and watched carefully, he quietly expressed satisfaction after the "project" giving witty comments with a smile.
He was active in several affiliations and community serviceorganizations:
• Mississippi Chapter of American Association of Blacks in Energy
• University of Mississippi Alumni Association
• University of Mississippi M Club
• Beta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc.
• Lanier High School National Alumni Association
A Time to Embrace
At an early age, Lawrence was active at Holy Ghost Catholic Church serving as an altar boy. His Catholicism and strong Christian faith was an integral part of his journeys as he moved to various communities joining ministries at each Catholic Church.
Upon returning to Jackson, he assumed activities with Holy Ghost Catholic Church. At times reluctant to get involved, his wife reminded him of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25: 14-30. His strength in problem solving, finance, and budgets were perfect to share at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He served in many leadership capacities at the church:
• Lector and Commentator
• Knights of Peter Claver Council 171
• Holy Ghost Parish Pastoral Council
• Holy Ghost Parish Finance Chair
A Time for Peace
Upon his retirement in 2021, Lawrence spent leisure time playing golf and traveling with his wife to the Caribbean for her November birthdays "only after hurricane season." He enjoyed lots of family time creating life-long memories with his wit and laughter. Our family saw him as a giant among men and a leader in our family. He continued to follow the Ole Miss Rebels each season and attended all home games. He had already arranged for closer parking tothe stadium this upcoming season.
A Time to Die
Lawrence fought hard to live with his rare genetic conditionimpacting his heart.
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, God called Lawrence to rest and suffer no more, for his work on earth had come to an end. As Paul said, in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, "he had fought a good fight, he had finished his course and he had kept the faith."While Lawrence's earthly journey has ended, his influence continues to resonate in the hearts of his family, friends, and the communities he served.
A Time to Mourn
Proceeding him in death was his youngest sister, Erica Noel Johnson.
Mourning his loss and cherishing his memory are hisdevoted wife Nancy Jackson Johnson, sons Lawrence Bennett Johnson, III, Jackson, MS and Langston Jackson Johnson, Walls, MS; brother Eric Johnson, Spring, Texas, Nicole (Derrick) Edwards, Madison, MS, his favorite sisters-in-love, Demetria Jackson, Clarksdale, MS, and Larry (Irvin) Taylor, Houston, TX, nephew, Ervin Taylor,Jr., Las Vegas, NV, nieces Madison and Lauren Edwards, Madison, MS, Ariel White, Jackson, MS, Andera Williams, Clinton, MS, cousins Barbara (Jon) Lofton, Ridgeland, MS, Sylvia A. Jacobs, Mableton, GA, Carmen A. (Kenneth) Calvin, Jackson, MS, RaMona Clay Alexander, Madison, MS, Anjelica (Antwar) Harrell, Spring, TX, Tara (Robert)Taylor, Pearland, TX and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.
In a lieu of flowers the family of Lawrence Johnson Jr. ask that you make a donation to one of the following organizations: Lanier High School National Alumni Association
The Ben Williams Minority Scholarship Endowment Ole Miss Alumni American Heart Association
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