NATCHEZ – Services for John Johnson, 86, of Natchez, who died Monday, Dec. 10, 2007, at Natchez Community Hospital, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Christian Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. John Scott Jr. officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Webb Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Johnson was born April 21, 1921, in Adams County, the son of Aquilla and Jane Lamdin Johnson. He attended Adams County Public Schools. Mr. Johnson was employed with Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company and Natchez Coca Cola Bottling Company. He retired in 1980.

He was a dedicated member of Christian Hope Baptist Church and the Brotherhood Organization. Brother Johnson loved God, his family and nature. When he was not visiting his family, he could be found nurturing the flowers at his church or growing fresh vegetables and fruit in his home garden. He loved animals, including his pet dogs and cherished a gift of four doves given to him by a fellow church member, Theresa Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Cleve Johnson Sr., Herman “Bill” Johnson, James “Jim” Johnson and Charles “Duke” Johnson; sisters, Sarah “Plump” Smith, Mable “Babe” Turner and Carlotta “Teddie” Watson; and a son-in-law, Ralph L. Payne Sr.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 60 years, Elmarie Johnson; devoted children, Tena J. Payne of Natchez and Katherline Rouson and husband, Howard, both of Jackson; stepson, Charles Rawlings and wife, Patricia, of Chicago; sisters, Laura “Tribie” Hoggatt and Lillian “Sooke” Adams, both of Natchez, and Willa “Dowee” O’Leary of Martinez, Calif.; sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Johnson of Vidalia; grandchildren, Ralph Payne and wife, Nichelle, Joanna Henderson and husband, Randy, and Kristena Gaylor and husband, Tony; great-grandchildren, Darrell Payne, Angela Henderson, Randy Henderson Jr., Nailah Payne, Teewona Henderson, Samuel L. Gaylor and the most recent great-grandson and namesake, Kristopher “John” Gaylor; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives who are too numerous to name, yet very special.

Pallbearers will be Randy Henderson Sr., Howard Rouson, Charles Seals, Leon Crawford, Alvin Griffin, Tony Gaylor and Clarence Love.