Mickal Johnson, Sr.

Mickal Johnson, Sr., known affectionately as Smokey, Uncle Rattie, or Uncle Mike, was born on January 9, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a graduate of the New Orleans School District. He continued his studies at The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Maryland, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and through Piney Point Maritime Training with the Seafarers International Union.

Mickal served courageously as a seafarer during wartime, committing more than 20 years of his life to the Merchant Marines before retiring in 1990. He went on to attain the title of Ship Master, a testament to his skill, leadership, and resilience.

Mickal was an active member of the Seafarers Union and the Knights of Columbus, and was also very active in his church and the Cesera Community, where he could often be found enjoying Bingo with friends. His compassion and charisma shone through in his love for family, neighbors, and church members, as well as in the joy he spread wherever he went.

He found happiness in spending time with his daughter, great-granddaughter, church family, and close friends, never missing a chance to laugh, cause a little trouble, and enjoy life to the fullest. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Willis; his father, Emmett Johnson; his son, Mickal Johnson, Jr.; his brother, Steve H. Johnson; his grandparents; and Aunt Ola.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Demond Johnson; his daughter, DeWana Johnson; his daughter-in-law, Berkis Johnson; his sister, Brenda A. Wilturner; his grandchildren, Ahmad E. Johnson, Kayla N. Johnson, and Layla N. Johnson; and his great-granddaughter, Kamryn D. Johnson.

He is also remembered with love by Noreen W. Johnson; Pastor Pipkin; his church family, neighbors, and friends from Cesera; many nieces and nephews, both by blood and by Christ; his godchildren, Sonya Johnson-Steib, Tema Hymal, and Brianna Pruitt; and everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

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