Sewell Johnson Jr. Obituary (1932 - 2016)

Sewell D. Johnson, Jr., known as “Zeke”, departed this life July 18, 2016, at the age of 84. Zeke resided at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, MD, at the time of his death. Zeke enjoyed living there with his fellow soldiers. Born on Tilghman Island May 3, 1932, Sewell was the son of Pauline Bell and Sewell D. Johnson, Sr. Sewell graduated from Moton Junior Senior high School in Easton, MD, later attending a music school in New York. Zeke met and married Shirley L. Palmer in 1952. From that union they had six children. Sewell entered the Air Force in 1956 until 1960 when he received an Honorable Discharge. He received the national Defense Service medal, Korean Service medal, and good conduct medals. He loved being in the military and served in Japan, Korea, as well as Chicago, IL. After leaving the service Zeke was employed at Bay Builders Lumber Yard and Suburban propane. Zeke was a well-known local musician who played for private clubs, and at Fisherman’s Inn in Grasonville, MD, and also appeared on a local TV network as the” Sewell Johnson Duo”. He loved history, sports, and talking about politics. Spending time with grandchildren also gave him pleasure. He lived a fulfilling life. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Adrian Lynn Johnson and a sister, Mary Ethel Thomas. He leaves to mourn the loss daughters: Beverly Casey, Philadelphia, PA; Vivian Johnson, Easton, MD, Rochelle McCrea: son-in law Victor, Clinton, MD, and sons: Sewell D. Johnson, III, Richmond, VA, and Troy Johnson, Cambridge, MD. He is also survived by one brother, James Bell (Mary), Dover, DE, and one sister, Gloria Caldwell, Philadelphia and grandchildren Vincent Casey, Terrell Casey, and Chontay Casey, Philadelphia, PA, and Sherita Miller, Grasonville, MD, and two great grandchildren Tanaiya Slaughter and Indyia Smith. Also mourning his loss are two aunts Gussie Taylor, Baltimore, MD and Annie Wilson, Trappe, MD, as well as a host of other family members.