Aaron Lavell Johnson

Aaron Lavell Johnson, Sr. transitioned from this journey of life to rest comfortably in the arms of our Heavenly Father on Friday, May 5, 2023. He was born to Albert and Marva Johnson in Newburgh, New York on April 20, 1970.

Aaron was educated in the Newburgh City School District. He participated in extracurricular activities, like playing football and basketball and prided himself on his athletic achievements, he was “THE Diabolical Booski.” While there was much to learn within the four walls, there was no classroom that could contain his nature – he wanted to learn and explore on his own. Doing things in his own way afforded Aaron the opportunity to gain skills in many different areas, such as industrial cleaning, roof installation, chemical waste management and disposal, as well as disaster relief and recovery, like the work he performed during Hurricane Katrina. He always seemed to find a job that aided others - it was clear that he had a passion for helping people.

This desire led Aaron to Hampton University, where he faithfully served in the Vehicle Services Department for almost 20 years. In this department, he was known for always being “the man for the job” as he would say, “they have me going everywhere and doing everything!” Whether providing on campus transportation for day-to-day student life, traveling with the music and athletic departments to various engagements, working with prominent guests and stakeholders during special events, or simply changing a bulb or flat tire for one of his many colleagues - He never missed any opportunity to be there for someone else. He was ALWAYS there for EVERYONE and was loved for it!

Aaron was also loved for his infectious smile and playful nature. At any given moment, he could be found telling a joke, being silly with his wife, children, brothers, cousins and friends, or setting up his cell phone to record himself playing a practical joke on someone. If you were around him for any length of time, you would find yourself telling him “Man, you play too much!” He knew exactly how to light up a room and was always able to bring life to any environment. When he wasn’t bringing joy to others, he spent his time doing his favorite things – scratching Lotto tickets, researching, reporting and fact checking everything sports and watching or attending the games of THE New York Football Giants. He was a superfan and made sure that the world knew it!

While he was a Giants superfan, he was an even bigger fan of his Lord and Savior. On July 22, 2007, the day after his wedding, Aaron gave his life back to Christ at Enoch Baptist Church. He changed his life and vowed to live a better path, not only for himself, but as an example to his wife, children and all those that admired him. He served on the Male Usher Board for a short time, however, he knew his place was praising the Lord from the front pew, while supporting his wife as she grew in ministry. He was proud of the woman of God she was/is and wanted nothing more than to make her burden light while she worked to #DoGod.

Aaron Lavell Johnson was predeceased by his mother, Marva Ann Johnson, his grandparents, Chalmers Sr. and Annie Margaret Jackson and his brother, Albert “Fat Albert” Johnson, Jr. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife, Queen and “Good Thang” Phalishia Johnson, his princes and princesses, Corey Peterson, Aaron Johnson, Jr., Tiara Johnson, and Phaaryn Johnson; siblings, Adrian (Reeva) Johnson, Andre Johnson, Antoine Johnson, Lynise (Jamell) Cloud, Damon (Priscilla) Johnson, Lamel Johnson, and Monchella Johnson; grandchildren, Zakyla Peterson, Kyrie Peterson, and Jaylen Peterson; and thousands of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

Aaron Lavell Johnson, Sr. will be sorely missed because, in our hearts, he’s gone too soon. However, while he rarely picked up the phone for others, he knew it was time to answer God’s call.