Elder Tony B. Johnson

Elder Tony Bruce Johnson was born on March 29, 1962, to Richard Pinckney and Effie Mae Johnson in Ruffin, SC. He was the youngest of 6 children.  Elder Johnson was educated through the Colleton County School system.  He graduated from South Carolina State University with a bachelor's in criminal justice, and later attended the University of South Carolina for graduate school.  

While in graduate school, Elder Johnson met the love of his life, Sharon Lovell Pompey-Johnson. They were joined in holy matrimony on December 26, 1987, and enjoyed 36 years of marriage. From their union came the pride and joy of their lives; one son, Tony Renard Johnson Esq., and one daughter, Karlene Kristian Tonia Johnson, MA. 

He gave his life to Christ in 1985 and became an ordained Elder in 1988 under Pastor Roscoe Grant of Beulah Refuge Church.  In 1993, Elder Johnson and his family became charter members of Refuge Temple Church, the Southern Regional Headquarters of C.O.O.L.J.C. in Columbia, SC, under the leadership of Bishop William Lee Bonner.  In 1995, Elder Johnson became the Founding Dean of the W.L. Bonner School of Theology. Under his leadership, over 300 ministers, missionaries, and laypersons matriculated through the college.  Elder Johnson served at Refuge Temple as an associate pastor and president of the ministerial board.  He also served briefly as pastor of Christian Fellowship Tabernacle in Camden, SC. 

Elder Johnson enjoyed many things, but nothing gave him more excitement and purpose than preaching and teaching the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a mentor and confidant to many professors of the faith. 

In 2021, he retired after 35 years of service at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Effie Mae; his sister, Arlene (William) Vanderhurst, and most recently, his paternal Aunt, Gertrude Bryant.

He leaves to cherish the memories of his life, his devoted wife, Sharon; children, Tony (Cynthia) and Karlene; brothers, Ritchie (Bonnie), Tyrone, Clyde (Cynthia); sisters, Valirie Johnson, Kathleen Welch Johnson; aunt, Agnes (James) Lambert; father-in-law, Bernard Prioleau; brother-in-law, Bernie Prioleau (Katina); godmother, Essie Ree Bowles; god-daughter, Faith Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Services for Tony B. Johnson are as follows:

Viewing; Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Hamilton's Funeral Home

Home Going Celebration; Monday, April 1, 2024 11: 00 AM

Viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Service will start immediately following the viewing

Refuge Temple Church of our Lord Jesus Christ

4450 Argent Court

Columbia, SC 29203

Please Keep the Johnson family in your prayers. 

ATTENTION: Due to the COVID- 19 virus pandemic  and in the effort to help stop the spread of the Virus (MASK ARE STILL REQUIRED WITHIN OUR FACILITY). Walk through viewing only and please remember that face masks must be worn at all times as you enter funeral home and service. We will only allow a certain number of individuals inside the funeral home at one time. Please, remember to keep your distance as much as possible, and wash and sanitize your hands. Thank you for your cooperation and with helping us to do our part in stopping the spread of the Virus.

Please leave the family a note of Condolence, light a candle of remembrance, or order a floral remembrance piece.  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whether I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4

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