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Charles Wesley Johnson

09/26/1949 - 12/29/2024

Obituary For Charles Wesley Johnson

Mr. Charles Wesley Johnson, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home located at 909 East Market Street in Greensboro, North Carolina. A visitation will be held at 10:30 am.

Burial will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery located at 501 Statesville Boulevard in Salisbury, North Carolina.

John 11:25-26
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

On December 29, 2024, Charles Wesley Johnson transitioned to his heavenly home. Born in Caswell County on September 26, 1949, he was the son of the late Irwin Johnson, Sr. and the late Sarah Totten Johnson.


Charles grew up in a loving home and community in Yanceyville, North Carolina. At an early age, he became a member of the Yanceyville Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the Junior Choir. As an adult, he joined the Young Adult Chorus, served as Choir Director and was often the lead singer. He loved to sing and his angelic voice led him to later join the Male Chorus.

Charles attended and graduated from Caswell County High School. After high school, he served in the US Army where he was stationed in Long Bien, Vietnam. During his tenure in the US Army he was promoted as an E-5 Sergeant and received a bronze star medal. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from A&T State University.

Charles served in education for several years before retiring. He began working in education as a Teacher at Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He became an Assistant Principal for Chatham County Schools and was later promoted as a Principal at Jordan Matthews High School in Chatham County. During his service in education, Charles received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions in education. In July of 1989, he was selected by Governor James G. Martin in Raleigh, North Carolina to serve on the Governor’s Programs of Excellence in Education Selection Committee. For Charles it was all about the youth, and he was determined to make a difference in their lives. His last educational assignment was working with the Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh North Carolina.

Charles loved his family. He married the love of his life, his wife Sandra Jean Cooper-Johnson of 46 years and two beautiful daughters Charlandra Me’Shaune Johnson-Bishop (Larry) of Whisett, North Carolina, and Charla Nicole Johnson of Indian Trail, North Carolina. He also thought the world of his three precious grandchildren: Landon Bishop (12 years old), Aden Bishop (8 years old), and Layla Bishop (2 years old). Charles was the youngest of five siblings: Irwin Johnson, Jr. (Patricia) of Greensboro, North Carolina, Betty Johnson-Lownes (deceased), Webster Johnson (Elizabeth) of Yanceyville, North Carolina, Sarah Johnson-Wiggins (Chester) of Yanceyville, North Carolina. Two sister-in-laws: Jessie Dianne Cooper-Jones of Roxboro, North Carolina, Reverend Marian Cooper of Salisbury, North Carolina and one brother-in-law Ricky Cooper (Gwen) of Durham, North Carolina. Charles also had a host of other relatives, nieces and nephews whom he treasured.

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Condolences & Tributes

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Tosha L Shirriel sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Charles Wesley Johnson - January 13, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Principal Johnson. His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.

Jordan-Matthews High School Class of 1993

Send flowers for Charles Wesley Johnson

Judy McInnis sent The Peace Lily for Charles Wesley Johnson - January 13, 2025

Sending our sincere condolences, love, and prayers to the family of Charles W. Johnson, coworker and friend. From: Former State Assistance Team/ECL Consortium Members

Judy McInnis planted 5 trees in memory of Charles Wesley Johnson . - January 13, 2025

Plant trees for Charles Wesley Johnson

Mr. Johnson was my principal when I was in High School. Jordan Matthews, was my first school coming to the USA. He was a mentor, a guide, and a great person not only to me but everyone else. Mr. Johnson had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued.

We will miss Uncle Charles the Christmas gatherings! I have always enjoyed talking with him about how to educate kids, very insightful! He was always smiling and so genuine! His love for education was astonishing! May you rest in peace the world was a better place with you in it. Now take your rest! Greta, lil Bryant and Eric

Sometimes there are no words for a loss so great. Praying for healing in the days to come. The Newby Family

Charles was a wonderful friend,father and husband. I met him years ago through his wife Sandra when we worked together at GTCC. He was always kind and compassionate and was always willing to help others in time of need. Charles will be truly missed by family and friends. Rest in peace God's good and faithful servant.

My sincere condolences to the family! Charles and I were colleagues in the Chatham County School system. He loved the children. His laughter was contagious. I don't believe he'd ever met a stranger. His family was his heartbeat!! Dr. Joyce Mauldin Hawkins

I extend sincere condolences to the Johnson and Totten families. Charles H. Blackwell, Yanceyville, NC

Our sincere condolences to the Johnson family.

Uncles Charles I miss u so much. I'm so thankful for all the memories we shared. Thank you for always being a positive role model in my life and for all the love and advice. I will continue to grow and be a great man and father. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love and miss u. Chandler

Uncle Charles I miss u so much. I'm so glad for all the memories and love. I will continue to be a great man and I want to thank you for being a positive role model in my life. You will always have a special place in my heart. Love Chandler

Uncle Charles, your advice, nurturing and kind spirit will be sorely missed. Fernandez

To Family you have my sympathy . Robert Bowe

Sandra, Chalandra, Charla and the Johnson Family. We are sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy. Charles was a helpful and kind person. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort, during this challenging time.

With Love and Sympathy, Esther, Myra and Elbert Lownes

Dawn Renee Graves

To the family you have my deepest sympathy Charles was a kind man he directed The Young Adult Choir at YMBC which I was a member I learned a lot from him and I thank him right to this day May he RIP🙏

Charles, I will never forget your warm embrace when I first came into the family. Charles, you will be missed. Vincent

Uncle Charles was such a special person. His laughter would fill up a room even when I too young to understand what we were laughing about. I loved hearing his life stories from military to the classroom to volunteering. As I grew older I understood the jokes and absorbed the advice. My children would light up when we told them we were going to Uncle Charles and Aunt Sandra's house. We love you! Gina, Chad and the Franks family

Charles was glue that kept the family together, once his sister Betty passed away. He loved the holiday seasons, and he loved to host events during the holidays. The decorations during Christmas will be greatly missed, the fireworks display and the cookouts during the 4th of July will be missed as well. We will miss his joy and laughter. His knowledge, wisdom, counseling, helpfulness, and thoughtfulness will be greatly missed. These are memories that I will never ever forget. I know Charles is in heaven sitting beside Betty, Vincent, his mother and father, and those family members that have gone before him. In closing, I would like to quote Jesus when He said, "We should be sad when we are born but happy when we leave because we will be in heaven with Him as well as with our Heavenly Father. My you rest in peace.

James Rivers and Family

Uncle Charles I will continue to make you proud of me. You will be missed. Love Isaiah

Charles was my first cousin, but he was more like a brother to me. My sister, Judy and I would argue over who was going to be first to go to Aunt Bell and Uncle Irvin's house to spend the night so that we could play with Charles. We had so much fun laughing and playing together all day. I took many trips to Aunt Bell's house to play with Charles and eat all the good food that she would cook. Through the years when we would see each other, Charles with that broad smile would look at me, start laughing and give me a hug. We had a special relationship!! I will truly miss my cousin, Charles. Carolyn Motley

Sandra, Charlandra, and Charla know that Charles is with God resting in peace. No more tears, no more pain. Love you all. Sister-in- law, Jessie Dianne

I will miss my uncle Charles. He married my Aunt Sandra, been a part of the Cooper family since before I was born. I loved going to Johnson House as a kid. I will miss his laugh and his presence. RIP in peace, with love Jalene

Every family gathering was filled with warmth and laughter whenever Uncle Charles was around. He had a special way of lightening up the room with his funny anecdotes and infectious smile. Whenever you had a problem or needed advice, Uncle Charles was always there for you, offering kind words and a listening ear. With his easygoing nature and approachability, he made it easy for you to talk to him about anything, and you always felt comforted by his presence. Uncle Charles made every gathering during the holidays special. His memory lives on in the joyful moments shared together. Uncle Charles absence is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Love, Vickie

Sandra, Sarah, Chester and the entire Johnson family, our sincere condolences on the passing of Charles. He will be remembered as a kind and caring person with a smile that would light up a room. A man that loved his family. Praying that cherished memories and the passage of days will bring healing peace to your hearts. Mary Wiggins Goodson and Family

Charles was the brother I never had. I will always be eternally grateful to have known him. We had some great times together. I never forget our Florida trips. I look forward to time together in eternity and all the fun we will have then. Love and peace Ricky and Gwen Cooper

Best brother-in-law ever. Words cannot express how much I will miss Charles. He treated my mom and dad like gold. He was so very kind and thoughtful. Rest in peace, Charles. Sister-in-law, Marian

I want to share how blessed my life has been to know and have been around my Uncle Charles. He was a blessed Man of God who loved his family and put others first above his needs. He was always concerned about helping others especially the kids he taught and interacted with. Uncle Charles changed and impacted so many lives for the positive and he will really be missed. There are many lessons that he gave me that helped shape me as a man and I am truly grateful to God that he put Uncle Charles in my life. One thing I will miss most is his ability to make you smile and laugh. He was a person that you always wanted to be around and he could light up a room. I pray that God gives each family member peace that surpasses all understanding during this time of loss. With Love and Sympathy.

De'Mon Wiggins and Family

My Uncle Charles was special. He took me under his wing when I first moved to Greensboro and begin working at A&T. Through the years we would meet for lunch just to "catch up", laugh and have fun. Those were good times!! I will truly miss those special moments and my dear Uncle Charles Ketta

"It is all about the children", Charles would say, as he worked tirelessly to meet the needs of students throughout the state of North Carolina and beyond. Regardless of the roles he fulfilled, whether as a Teacher, Principal, Curriculum Specialist, State Assistance Team Leader, Assistant Superintendent and others, he gave his "ALL". For Charles, failure was not an option.

It was so much fun working with him, and he always greeted us with a smile. He was true to his calling and definitely made a difference in the lives of children.

We are going to miss you, Charles!!

Friends/Co-workers State Department of Public Instruction

To my Father.. thank you for all of your laughs,advice,guidance,support,and love.You always believed in me and gave me the courage to shine my light bright just like yours.I will never forget how you could always make me laugh until tears were streaming down my face.I love you with all of my heart forever and always daddy. Love Charla

Charles and Sandra have been my neighbor for over 25 years. He was always so happy and friendly. His house was the prettiest on the street at Christmas time. I'm so sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed by many.

We are saddened to learn of the death of Charles. We were members of the choir that he once directed. Charles was dedicated and had a passion for singing God's praises. It was not unusual for him to strike up a song wherever you met him. I believe God has assigned him to the Heavenly Choir because of that love and dedication for singing for God.

I had the honor of being one of Mr. Johnson's students at Dudley High School to one of his colleagues. In both instances, he was knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Sending condolences to his family and loved ones.

Charles was a decent, kind, and honorable person! I got to know him because he and my brother Steve were best friends! To the family: May God give you whatever it is that you need to get through this difficult time! ❤️ With Love and Sympathy, Betty Jo Harrelson Graves

Met Charles when he joined the gospel group I was singing in. Charles stepped in to help the group. He wasn't there long, but Charles and I formed a bond that would keep us in touch with each other. When one of us didn't hear from the other for some time, he or I would make the call to check on the other. Once on the phone it was long conversations with lots of laughing. Charles is a friend that always had a pleasant tone to his voice and a very big laugh. His laughing would make me laugh even more. Didn't know him long enough just only what God wanted me to know of him. The song, "Really Gonna Miss You" by Smokey Robinson hits hard because I am really going to miss him. Glad I went by the house a few weeks ago, because I got the chance to say I love you brother.

Keith Sills

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

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