MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hickman, Barnett, Butler (38th), Jackson (11th), Simmons (13th), Thomas
A RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LEGACY OF CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER REVEREND DR. CHARLES JOHNSON, SR., OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, MOURNING HIS PASSING AND EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE SENATE TO HIS SURVIVING FAMILY.
WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Meridian, Mississippi, in mourning the passing of Community Leader and Civil Rights Icon, Dr. Charles Johnson, Sr., of Meridian, Mississippi, who passed away on January 19, 2022, at the age of 83. He established and pastored Fitkins Memorial Church of the Nazarene since 1961; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Johnson came to Meridian and began his church and mission during a turbulent time of race relations. He was a big part of the Civil Rights Movement and continued as a strong community leader as his health allowed. Dr. Johnson was a voice for change and a voice for peace throughout his ministry; and
WHEREAS, in an interview five years ago, Dr. Johnson recalled racial tensions were tough in his early days. He noted how Civil Rights Workers' Michael Schwerner and Meridian's James Chaney both helped him at his church; and
WHEREAS, Author Chet Bush wrote about Johnson in his book, Called to The Fire. He described Johnson as a key witness to take the stand in the trial famously called the "Mississippi Burning" case and played an important role for the United States Department of Justice, offering clarity to the event that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Johnson was born on March 5, 1938, in Orlando, Florida, to Robert Lee Lewis and Martha Johnson. He accepted Christ through the teachings of the late C.R. Smith. Reverend Johnson attended the Institute Church of the Nazarene in West Virginia. He later received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Johnson came to Meridian, Mississippi, in 1961 to begin his pastoral journey as Lead Pastor of Fitkins Memorial Church of the Nazarene. He served in this capacity for over 60 years. As a leader in the Nazarene Church, he was the first African American to be appointed to the position of Chairman of Sunday School Ministries. Reverend Johnson was one of the pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement in Meridian and served his community until his death; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Johnson was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Glenn; mother, Martha Johnson; father, Robert Lewis; three brothers: Otha Kelly, Billy Johnson and Paul Johnson; and two grandchildren: Shandy Hudson and Justin Charles Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Shirley; son, Charles, Jr. (Sabrina); daughters: Sheryl Dixon (Reynaldo), Christina Robinson, Janyce Spruill (Nigiel), Angela Bell, Nikki Bell and Amelia Portis (Michael); sister, Ora Lee Carter; 17 grandchildren; and a host of friends and his entire church family; and
WHEREAS, we pay tribute and hold dear the remembrance of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi whose civic energy was an example to all and who leaves a legacy of leadership and dedication to all in our state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby pay tribute to the legacy of Civil Rights Leader Reverend Dr. Charles Johnson, Sr., of Meridian, Mississippi, mourn his passing and extend the condolences of the Senate to his surviving family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Charles Johnson, Sr., forwarded to Fitkins Memorial Church of the Nazarene, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.