Mr. Earl Johnson

Earl Johnson - affectionately known as “Big Earl” - was born on August 11, 1964, to the union of Alfonso and Addie Johnson. He regularly attended Living Word Christian Center and openly professed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Earl began his education at Lawson and Hess Elementary Schools, later attending Manley High School before proudly earning his GED from Malcolm X College.

Some of Earl’s fondest memories were of his childhood home on the South Side of Chicago. He went on to become a licensed CDL truck driver, a skill he began mastering at an early age - capable of driving from Mississippi and back before most would even think to try. Earl’s larger-than-life personality and infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a special love for barbecuing on holidays, spending quality time with family, and cheering on his favorite football teams. He also enjoyed classic television shows such as Sanford and Son, The Cosby Show, and In the Heat of the Night.

A proud Chicagoan, Earl found joy in the simple pleasures of the city. He was a frequent visitor to Dave’s Hot Dog on Roosevelt and Homan, where he always ordered a hot dog “old-school style”along with an Italian beef, fries and a cold pop.

In 1987, Earl met the love of his life, Donnita Allen Johnson. Their bond was one of unwavering devotion - weathering every high and low together. Donnita stood faithfully by Earl’s side until the day he was called home. One thing was always certain: Earl deeply and unapologetically loved his “Nita.”

Earl was preceded in death by his stepfather, Johnny Ford. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved fiancée, Donnita Allen Johnson; his four beautiful children - Earl Jr., Desiree, Sierra, and Adrianna; his loving mother, Addie Johnson; his sister, Marlo (Rondale); three nephews - Xavier (Bianca), Cragin, and Jalen; one niece, Kalyn; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. To the world, he was “Big Earl,” but to his children, he was simply “Daddy.”

Earl often shared words of faith and encouragement with his children, including some of his most treasured sayings: