Wayman Johnson

Wayman A. Johnson, Jr., a son, a brother, an uncle and friend. Born on December 16th, 1948, to Wayman and Antoinette Johnson (nee. Jones). The story goes, as an infant curled up asleep in his crib, he would resemble a little baby rabbit. To those who loved and knew him well, he would forever be affectionately known as “Bunny”. The oldest of three children, he and his sisters, Sonnora Johnson (m. Reed) (deceased) and LaVerne Johnson (m. Patasaw) (deceased) called, South Jamaica Queens home in their early years. The family resided in the South Jamaica Houses, also known as the “40 Projects”, they all graduated from Forest Hills High School in Queens, NY.

After high school, he joined the United States Navy, serving his country proudly during the Vietnam War. Although this was a very trying and divisive time in our country’s history, Bunny found community and comradery amongst the men he served beside.

Like many Vietnam Veterans, the return home came with many societal challenges. For some, the adjustment to living life as a civilian post-Vietnam was no easy feat. Bunny was one of these veterans. He had interest in attending college and enrolled in Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He went on to work in an auto body shop on Long Island owned by his uncle John Jones, developing a lifelong passion for automobiles and auto repair.

Originally, owned by his grandparents, the family home on Dorlon Street in Hempstead, NY, became a family staple and home to many over the years, including Bunny. This home provided a soft landing for some when needed and a visitor center for family members traveling from out of town or simply passing through. It was Hempstead and at this home where Bunny found community, stability and security.

Wayman grew to become a lifelong learner and avid reader. He had a natural interest in learning new subjects be it language, computers, personal growth & development, how to cook, play the guitar and more! His mind would constantly seek information.

Bunny loved trivia and especially enjoyed Jeopardy. He was a fan of golf, loved R&B and Jazz music, and a good meal with family and friends satisfied his soul. Collard greens, mac & cheese, roasted turkey, hero sandwiches, and “coke with a lot of ice” were among his favorites. Mornings were spent with a walk to the nearest Dunkin Donuts for a “large light and sweet” coffee. Wayman was a gentle spirit and lived a simple life.

Wayman is preceded in death by his parents, Wayman and Antoinette Johnson, his sisters, Sonnora Johnson Reed and LaVerne M. Patasaw. He is survived by niece, Dia M. Louis (LaVerne’s daughter), nephews, Matthew and Jason Reed, brother-in-law Ernest Reed (m. Sonnora Johnson Reed), nephew-in-law Brian Louis (m. Dia Patasaw Louis), niece-in-law Kelly Reed (m. Matthew Reed), and grandnieces, Nia and Abri Louis, Chance and Chayce Reed (Matthew and Kelly).

A special thank you to Ms. Robyn Johnson (Detroit Atlanta VA) and, Ms. Rosetta Delancy and the Atlanta VA Medical Center staff for their care and support.

The family is grateful to everyone for their prayers, condolences, and love during this time.