News and Views

Rev. Guy H. Johnson, 83, a retired pastor, died Feb. 14, 2017. A viewing was held at Goshen UMC in Gaithersburg Feb. 23, and a funeral was held Feb. 25 at First UMC in Hyattsville. The Rev. Yvonne Wallace-Penn officiated and the Rev. Shawn Wilson preached the eulogy. Also participating were the Revs. Joan Carter-Rimbach, Robin Joynes, Ian Straker, Glenn Taylor and Jane Wood.

Pastor Guy Hugh Johnson was born Aug. 14, 1933, to the Rev. Melvin S. and Roberta C. Johnson in Nashville, Tenn., one of six children.  He was educated in the Washington, D.C., public schools and was active in Randall UMC.

He graduated with a B.A. from the University of District of Columbia. From there he went to Wesley Theological Seminary tor the Course of Study of Local Pastors and upon completion was ordained a Deacon, an Associate Member in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

Johnson served Brook Grove and Stewarttown UMCs, which later became Goshen UMC. He was responsible for the successful merger of the two churches and served Goshen UMC for 25 years, beginning in 1991. Following his retirement in 2003, he became a part of the pastoral staff at First Church UMC of Hyattsville.

He and Hattie Johnson married in 1955.  They had two daughters, one of whom preceded him in death.  

Johnson loved pastoring and especially wanted folks to have a greater understanding of Scripture and to accurately interpret its meaning and application to life. He loved to travel and was a good photographer.  He made several trips to the Holy Land and took several cruises. He loved family gatherings.

“He was my mentor,” said the Rev. Jane Wood of Locust UMC in Columbia. “He was a kind and generous individual. He had an infectious smile. He instilled in me the desire to always be authentic in my preaching and remain faithful to our Lord.” Another mentee was the Rev. Frances Stewart, who serves Metropolitan UMC in Severn.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter Linda Faucette; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Guy Johnson, 741 Decatur St. NE., Washington, DC 20017-2346.