Obituaries
Obituary for Vernon Johnson Sr.
Vernon "Coffee" Johnson Sr. of Memphis, TN, 72, passed peacefully after a long battle with Dementia on November 14, 2018. He was the retired, owner of Professional Bonding Company.
Vernon Johnson Sr. was born in Oakland, Mississippi on July 15, 1946 to Hattie Mae Johnson (Cannon) and Fred Spearman Sr. He moved to Memphis, TN at a very early age with his grandparents Moses and Octavia Johnson where he began his life of purpose.
Vernon, affectionately known as "Coffee" was a star basketball point guard at both Lincoln Jr. High and Booker T. Washington High. He was a proud graduate of the BTW class of in 1967 and was committed to supporting the Washingtonian community for life.
The love for basketball lead him to later become a certified referee in multiple collegiate conferences and an initial sponsor for the Bluff City Classic Basketball Tournament at Shelby State Community College (renamed SWCC). Often acknowledged as a "Father figure in the Basketball community", Vernon provided avenues for young, collegiate, and pro players to develop their skills and competitive sportsmanship through this summer league.
“Coffee” was a pillar in the Memphis community through his entrepreneurial, philanthropic and political efforts. He was the owner of Professional Bail Bonding Company for 20+ years where he was instrumental in taking a chance on young entrepreneurs with the hustling spirit and connecting young African American attorneys in private practice, with key judicial and city officials to expand their businesses. With Vernon, there was no stranger, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand, extend an opportunity, and donate his time and resources to support worthy causes; however, his most important contribution was as a devoted father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
After a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s, Vernon departed this life on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. His memory, laughter and love will forever be cherished by: his son, Vernon Johnson, Jr; his daughter, Teirney LaKeia Johnson; his sisters Rose Jenkins (James), Delores Spearman, Gloria Thomas (William), Martha Hallo (John), Mary Jenkins, Marie Coleman-Robinson (William), Mary Cannon, Diane Henderson (Greg), and Wesley Martin Taylor (Phillip). (Preceded in death by Rita Gary); his brothers Fred Spearman Jr. (Grace), Roy Spearman (Brenda), Thomas Spearman (Sandra), and Willie L. Spearman. (Preceded in death by Claude Cannon, John Gary, and John Taylor); and a host of other relatives and friends.
Vernon "Coffee" Johnson's smooth struts, debonair swag, and positive attitude will be truly missed.
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Vernon Johnson Sr. was born in Oakland, Mississippi on July 15, 1946 to Hattie Mae Johnson (Cannon) and Fred Spearman Sr. He moved to Memphis, TN at a very early age with his grandparents Moses and Octavia Johnson where he began his life of purpose.
Vernon, affectionately known as "Coffee" was a star basketball point guard at both Lincoln Jr. High and Booker T. Washington High. He was a proud graduate of the BTW class of in 1967 and was committed to supporting the Washingtonian community for life.
The love for basketball lead him to later become a certified referee in multiple collegiate conferences and an initial sponsor for the Bluff City Classic Basketball Tournament at Shelby State Community College (renamed SWCC). Often acknowledged as a "Father figure in the Basketball community", Vernon provided avenues for young, collegiate, and pro players to develop their skills and competitive sportsmanship through this summer league.
“Coffee” was a pillar in the Memphis community through his entrepreneurial, philanthropic and political efforts. He was the owner of Professional Bail Bonding Company for 20+ years where he was instrumental in taking a chance on young entrepreneurs with the hustling spirit and connecting young African American attorneys in private practice, with key judicial and city officials to expand their businesses. With Vernon, there was no stranger, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand, extend an opportunity, and donate his time and resources to support worthy causes; however, his most important contribution was as a devoted father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
After a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s, Vernon departed this life on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. His memory, laughter and love will forever be cherished by: his son, Vernon Johnson, Jr; his daughter, Teirney LaKeia Johnson; his sisters Rose Jenkins (James), Delores Spearman, Gloria Thomas (William), Martha Hallo (John), Mary Jenkins, Marie Coleman-Robinson (William), Mary Cannon, Diane Henderson (Greg), and Wesley Martin Taylor (Phillip). (Preceded in death by Rita Gary); his brothers Fred Spearman Jr. (Grace), Roy Spearman (Brenda), Thomas Spearman (Sandra), and Willie L. Spearman. (Preceded in death by Claude Cannon, John Gary, and John Taylor); and a host of other relatives and friends.
Vernon "Coffee" Johnson's smooth struts, debonair swag, and positive attitude will be truly missed.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
23
Nov
10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
Friday
23
Nov
12:00 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Cemetery Details
Location
Serenity Columbarium and Memorial Garden
1662 Sycamore View Rd.
Memphis , TN 38134
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