Mr. Johnny J. Woodson Sr. departed this earthly life on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at home in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and children by his side.

He was born on December 5, 1945, in Vicksburg, MS, to the late Joe Woodson Sr., and Lillie Mae Copeland Woodson. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Trina Woodson, Cassandra Woodson, and Cassondra Woodson; grandson, Julian J. Woodson; brothers, Mannie Johnson, Clarence Johnson, and Bert Woodson; his sisters, Lillie B. Johnson, Georgia Wilson, and Ruby Lee Jackson.

Johnny was an avid student in the Vicksburg Warren School District, where he was a stellar basketball and football star at Rose A. Temple High School. This is also the place where he met the love of his life, Nancy Mae Gray, and married in May of 1966. In this union, 11 children were born. In 1971, he relocated his family to Cleveland, Ohio to provide a better living and opportunities for them. Johnny took an interest in the construction trade and became a cement mason. In addition to this, he also joined the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Union, Local 404.

After decades of making a career as a cement finisher, he retired in 2007. Johnny was strong-minded and very opinionated in what he believed in. He loved watching sports, reminiscing about his hometown, beautifying his yard, attending blues festivals with his friends, playing his guitars and more importantly, spending quality time with his family. In 2017, he was recognized and honored by the Mayor of Cleveland, Frank G. Jackson for his contributions made to improve the lives of others in his community (Ward 6).

He leaves to cherish his loving wife, Nancy M. Woodson; two sons, Johnny Woodson Jr., Sikma Woodson; six daughters, Rita Woodson, Pamela Woodson, Cherie (Larry) Boyer, Vandlyn Woodson, Seconda (Cornell) Campbell and Jasmen Woodson all of Cleveland, OH. A granddaughter whom he raised as a daughter, Nancy K. Woodson, ten other grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; Five sisters; Roberta Stamps, Alberta Wildee, Zelma Woodson, Doris (Eddie) Lee, and Juanita Byrd; and two brothers, Joe Woodson, and Patrick Woodson all of Vicksburg, MS; a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and close friends, including those in the Blues community.

“Our Patriarch, Provider and Protector.” – Your children