Reverend Samuel Elisha Johnson, age 92, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital on April 2, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born the son of circuit rider pastor John William (Lillian Lucille) Johnson on November 6, 1932 in Noxubee County, Mississippi, his father receiving the news of Samuel's birth while baptizing new converts.
He married Norma Maxine (McGinnis) in Twin Falls, Idaho on August 7, 1953, having attended Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi together with her, and she survives.
Early in life, Samuel answered a calling in his heart to serve the Lord as a preacher. Upon experiencing a vision compelling him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, Samuel struck out northward with neither funding nor connections. His leap of faith resulted in the founding there of Bible Tabernacle, where he pastored for 65 years. After the tragic death of a missionary friend, Samuel made his first international trip to Honduras in that friend’s stead. He spent the rest of his life traveling the world, spreading the Gospel in over 60 countries and planting many churches.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, John Marshall (Paula) Johnson, Paul Clayton (Lela Diane) Johnson, Lucille Ruth (Brian) Erickson, Mark Samuel (Esther) Johnson. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and another on the way; and his sister, Evelyn Louise Lenaz. Samuel was preceded in death by an infant son, James David Johnson, great-grandson, Everett Johnson, and his brother, William Marshall Johnson.
The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, Michigan, on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A private funeral and burial will take place at a later date.
A public celebration of life will take place at the Fa-Ho-Lo Camp & Conference Center, 3000 Mt. Hope Road Grass Lake, Michigan 49240, on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made out to Norma Johnson, all proceeds to be used to further Samuel's ongoing missionary projects.
