Arnold Lavern Johnson, Sr.

A Life Well Lived

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Arnold Lavern Johnson, Sr.
July 1, 1959 – October 29, 2026

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

Arnold Lavern Johnson, Sr., affectionately known to family and friends as “Bones” and “A.J.,” was born on July 1, 1959, in Chestertown, Maryland, to the late Reverend William and Rebecca Johnson, Sr. On October 29, 2026, Arnold peacefully transitioned from this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and cherished memories.

Arnold was educated in the Kent County Public School System. A man of many talents, he explored different paths throughout his life but found his true passion in cooking. His love for preparing meals and serving others led him to work as a chef in various restaurants and nursing homes, where he shared his culinary skills until his retirement in 2022.

On July 19, 2014, Arnold was united in holy matrimony to his beloved wife, Denise Annette Somerville. Having known each other for many years, their connection grew into a relationship with God at its center. During their twelve years of marriage, they experienced both challenges and joyful moments, sharing laughter, companionship, and cherished memories. Through life’s changing seasons, their journey together was shaped by love, understanding, and God’s grace.

A Man of Many Talents and a Personality All His Own

To know Arnold was to know a man who loved life, music, and dancing. Wherever there was music, Arnold was sure to find his way to the dance floor. His wife, Denise, fondly recalls how he would dance with all the ladies, often outlasting her. She would jokingly tell him to find another dance partner because she simply couldn’t keep up!

Arnold had a style all his own. He loved dressing sharp and especially enjoyed impersonating Michael Jackson, showing off his signature moves to “Billie Jean.” He and Denise also enjoyed coordinating their outfits, and Arnold took pride in shopping for her, sometimes playfully questioning her fashion choices. Those moments often brought laughter between them.

Never one to turn down a challenge, Arnold enjoyed chess, card games, cheering for his Baltimore Ravens, and watching Westerns and scary movies. Above all, he loved spending time with family. Whether dancing, joking, or showing off his latest outfit, Arnold had a way of making ordinary moments unforgettable.

A Heart for God and Others

Arnold was a faithful member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he worshipped and shared his musical gifts as part of the Bethel Praise Team. Known affectionately as a one-man band, Arnold had a unique gift for playing the tambourine. When the spirit moved him, his feet moved right along with it! In fact, Arnold once stomped so hard while praising God that he put a hole in the church floor! That was Arnold, giving God his all, with a rhythm and a praise that were truly his own.

That same joyful spirit followed Arnold beyond the church walls and into the lives of those around him. He had a big heart, a generous nature, and a sense of humor that was all his own. He was always looking out for somebody, whether it was family, a friend, or someone who needed a helping hand. He loved making people laugh, and you never quite knew what he might say or do next. Arnold had his own way of showing love, and even when he kept you shaking your head, he could still leave you smiling. That was Arnold—one of a kind, with a heart that touched many lives.

A Legacy of Love

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend William and Rebecca Johnson, Sr.; his brother, Anthony Rochester; his sisters, Joann, Sylvia, and Wanda Johnson; and his nephews, Keith Rochester and Derrick Houston.

Arnold leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Denise Johnson of Church Hill, Maryland.

He is also survived by his three children: Donté Johnson (Niki) and Shawana Johnson, both of Chestertown, Maryland, and Arnold Johnson, Jr. of Hagerstown, Maryland; and his two stepdaughters, Kashira Brooks and Miriah Gray, both of Church Hill, Maryland.

Arnold’s legacy continues through his seven grandchildren: DeQuan, Gabriel, and Eden Johnson; Ryan Thompson III and Olivia Thompson; and Adrian and Knowledge Johnson.

He is also survived by his twin brother, Ronald Johnson (Debbie) of Chester, Pennsylvania; his brothers, Frankie Brown (Anna) of Smyrna, Delaware, and William Johnson, Jr. of Wilmington, Delaware; and his sisters, Alberta Johnson (William) of Worton, Maryland, and Janet Johnson of Chestertown, Maryland.

Arnold’s extended family includes his sisters-in-law, Sonya Jeff (Lawrence) of Chestertown, Maryland, Sherrilyn Jones (Pastor Guy) and Donna Somerville, both of Worton, Maryland; and his brothers-in-law, Harold Somerville (Beverly) of Chestertown, Maryland, and Aaron Somerville (Jerri) of Elkton, Maryland.

He is also remembered by his godson, Dwan Harris, Jr.; his cherished niece, Angela Blake; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will continue to cherish his memory.

A Special Acknowledgment

Arnold shared a special bond with Angela Norfleet, his best friend of 22 years, whom he loved as a sister. Through the years, they shared laughter, memories, and unwavering support. Angela remained by his side until the very end. Their friendship was more than a bond; they were family at heart.

Forever in Our Hearts

Arnold lived life on his own terms, with a rhythm, personality, and spirit that were unmistakably his. He wasn’t a man who could easily be forgotten. He left behind stories that will bring laughter, memories that will bring comfort, and moments that will forever remind us of the joy he brought into our lives.

Though his earthly journey has ended, his presence will continue to be felt in the music he loved, the laughter he inspired, and the memories shared by those who knew him. There was only one Arnold, and his story will live on through all of us.