Oliver Dillard Johnson
January 24, 1955 – March 27, 2021
Oliver Johnson “Ojay” entered eternal sleep on Saturday, March 27, 2021 which is the Lord’s Sabbath Day of rest. His final days were spent surrounded by the family and friends he loved so much. Oliver’s life may have been cut short, but he touched the hearts of many while he was with us.
Oliver was born to the late Edward Dillard Pierce and Evelyn Lee Johnson in Richmond, VA on January 24, 1955.
Oliver was a strong man of God with enormous faith and he spent countless years cooking for the homeless and was heavily involved in helping his community. He was a very humble, caring, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He was better known to his family and friends as “Ojay” or Juice and never met a stranger.
Ojay leaves behind his cherished wife of 25 years, Joanne; his sons, Jason Johnson (Michelle), Elijah Johnson, and Lorenzo Griffis (Pauline); his daughters, Crystal Holmes (Richard), Angela Greene (Clarence); his grandchildren, Emmanuel Russell, Richelle Holmes, Ezekiel Holmes, Destiny Brent, Angelina Williams, Amber Sheets, Terrell, Stephen, Quany, Kurron Tre, Tenika and Ranisha; and his brothers, Barry Pierce, Tony Johnson and Qaadir Hasan (Pat); his sister-in-law, Brenda Nash; and a host of great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins; loyal long-lasting friends, Kenny Crawford, Greg Woodard, Rita Russell, and Vivian Holman; and he is preceded in death by his brother, Reno Jerome Pierce.
When Oliver’s health deteriorated and it became clear that treatment would not prevent his death, he thanked his medical team and moved on to Hospice care that would enable him to spend his remaining time with his loved ones around him, serenely ended his life. In those final moments, he was comforted in being at peace with God and knowing that his spouse and his family would have only wonderful memories of him fully engaged in life and being his true self. He will be truly missed by many.
Oliver’s favorite book of the Bible was Proverbs because of its timeless wisdom that helps us avoid trouble, observe the Golden Rule, and honor God with our life. His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3: 13- 14, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” Ojay realized that it was far more important to have the ability to think like God wanted him to and to make good decisions, to know how to build good relationships, to understand God’s way and His plan—is of incomparably greater value than anything else we could want.
A memorial service will be held at 3:30pm on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Affinity Funeral Service – Richmond Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294.
I always love u pops and I will miss u u taught me alot
Calvin and Doris express their heartfelt sympathy at the loss of a dear cousin. May God grant JoAnne and family His peace.
We will miss you Ojay. You were a wonderful person and we are so glad that you had God in your life. We are so sad that you are gone. May God be with my sister Joanne, Elijah and family in their time of pain..
Pop you will always be the light of my life, You are all I had left and now I”m alone. I Know you will be with me. I just hope that I can continue to make you Proud of me. I love you forever. Like you would say….. see you when I see. you. Your only son Jason AKA your Fatboy
I’m going to mis him he is in a better place flying high with a beautiful smile never forgotten in my mind or my heart Rest In Peace
Ojay, I miss you already. It was awesome to have known you and chat about football, scripture and parenting. I’m going to miss those chats. I will continue to pray for your family and appreciate the things you valued like the Pittsburgh steelers and the color orange. Above all, your love for people. God bless you until his second coming.
I love my brother I will miss you we have good time your friends wsyne joyce crowe love you all way
I cannot breathe! My love we had our struggles but we did it! Like all marriages ours was not perfect but I would marry you again and again! Friends about 45 years, together almost 33 and married 25 years was something some will never experience. We experienced the Power of Love and stayed true to each other Till Death Do Us Part!!! You taught me so much even though I never wanted to admit it. I did not want to let you go and wanted you always by my side forever…but you were in so much pain. I had to love you enough to let you go. I kissed your sweet lips once last time till Jesus comes. I am only comforted by knowing you were at peace with God and this is not Goodbye. I will see you again when you are awaken from your sleep! Jesus please come soon!!!!!!
To Be Absent In The Body Is To Be Present With The LORD. We hold on to that faith that “Some Glad Morning, When This Life Is Over, I’ll Fly Away;” We look forward to the day when we shall see Brother OJ once again., “In That Great Gettin” Up Morning, Fair Thee Well, Fair Thee Well!” OJ’s strong handshakes, laughter, high energy and enthusiasm, words of affirmation, care and compassion for GOD’s people will be greatly missed. We extend our love and prayers of comfort to Sister Joanne, Master Elijah(Eli), the entire family and friends of our dear brother. May he forever Rest In Peace until JESUS’ return.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽