William Alexander Johnson (also known as) "Beetle Bum" passed away after a brief illness on October 5, 2023, at the age of 74. He was born on November 11, 1948, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was the beloved son of Lucy and William Maloney Harris.
William or Beetle Bum as he was affectionately called lived a life filled with joy and laughter. He was known for his infectious smile, kind heart, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
He was a graduate of Jackson P. Burley High School in 1967, where he excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and the marching band.
After graduation he married his soulmate, Bonnie Seay Johnson on November 28, 1968.
He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War and served two years. William retired from the University of Virginia Medical Center as an attendant supervisor after 45 years of service.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Bonnie Seay Johnson; one son, Malcolm Johnson who was his pride and joy; two grandchildren, Takira Stinnie and Tremaine Johnson; a great grandson, Legend Scott; his beloved brother, Louis Johnson, Jr.; brother-in-law, Charles Seay, Jr.; two devoted cousins, Glenda Martin and Clarice Harris; his nieces, Janine and Tanya Johnson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home, with the Reverend Halliard Brown, officiating and Bishop George Gohanna delivering the eulogy.
Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be expressed via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Carrie Juanita Sampson has made her final trip to the homeland she loved so dearly Keswick, Va. Juanita was born at the home place in Keswick to Janie P. and Charles A. Sampson on May 21, 1928. She was the youngest of three daughters always maintaining her footprint in the homeland occupied by six generations before her. She maintained the home place until she could no longer live alone. Much to her regret she had to move to Maryland near family to live out the rest of her life.
Juanita loved Keswick, Va. in spite of Jim Crow laws that did not allow her to go to many places because of segregation which banned people of color. That did not stop Juanita. She often told of the story how she and her sisters walked miles each day to catch a bus to go to school. That did not deter Juanita from fulfilling her dream of a better life for herself and everyone that lived in the home place. After completing her education in a one-room school in Keswick and attending Albemarle Training School, Juanita received a scholarship to attend Virginia State University where she majored in elementary education. She traveled throughout Va. teaching in several counties in search of a job that rewarded college graduates jobs regardless of their race. Juanita traveled the highways week after week teaching and traveling home each weekend to be with family. Finally, she was called to a position right in Charlottesville which brought her close to home. She ended her career as a Librarian at Rose Hill Elementary School.
Juanita was baptized and joined the Union Run Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, became the church Librarian, and for many years wrote the church history. Her love for her church was undeniable. She fondly supported both Rose Hill Baptist Church were her father's family attended as well as Union Run Baptist Church which was the home church of the Proffitt's family. Seldom missing a Sunday service at either church, Juanita was a proud Black woman who fulfilled her dream. There was nothing she would not do to foster the work of her church from cooking meals for church events to supporting fund-raising requests to further the work of the church.
Juanita loved her family as well as her neighbors who lived in close proximity to the Sampson home place. There was nothing she would not do for family and friends. A tragedy struck the home place in 1980. The original home burned to the ground. Luckily, no one was injured. It was the position of the family that they would rebuild on the homeland. Juanita went about developing plans to do just that. The new home was built and the joys of home returned. The home place was always a gathering place for weary travelers. Always an extra plate at dinner and an opportunity to sponsor events for fun and fellowship at the Sampson home. Juanita did not talk about her accomplishments, she lived her life as an example for others. She would help anybody in need and ask for nothing in return.
Juanita yearned to go and unite with her loved ones who had gone before her. She was fond of saying, "Why is the Lord keeping me here"? Well, Juanita, he has answered your prayer. Ninety-five years of glorious living and your work on earth is done.
She leaves to cherish and mourn her passing nephews, George M. Moore and James E. Moore; niece Brenda D. CHAPPELL; cousin, Dennis Ragland; AND A HOST OF OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Union Run Baptist Church, Shadwell, VA. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Charlottesville, VA. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the services.
Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Robert J. Michie, II, born on June 12, 1936, in Charlottesville, Virginia, embarked on a remarkable journey of love, faith and dedication, that spanned a lifetime. As a native son of Charlottesville, he was nurtured and educated in Charlottesville City Schools, where he honed his passion for football during his time at Burley High School, where he played as a fullback for the Burley Bears. His exceptional talent led him to earn a full scholarship to college, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Bishop Michie's spiritual calling beckoned him to Brooklyn, New York, where he found his spiritual influences in the form of Pastor Steele and Bishop S.E. Henderson. Under their guidance, he dutifully served in various capacities within the church, including as a Brotherhood President, Usher Board Member, Pastor Aide, and Assistant Pastor.
In 1967, Bishop Michie returned to his hometown of Charlottesville with a divine purpose - to establish a ministry dedicated to God's work. He founded the New Pentecostal True Holiness Church. With unwavering commitment and a visionary spirit, Bishop Michie spent 53 years spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, leaving an indelible mark on Charlottesville and its surrounding areas. His teachings brought about restoration, healing, and spiritual breakthroughs for many, demonstrating his deep faith, unwavering commitment, and boundless compassion.
After retiring from a 30-year career at Belk Department Store, Bishop Michie devoted himself to full-time ministry, furthering his education with a Bachelor of Theology Degree and a Doctorate of Divinity Degree in 1997. Through Bishop Michie's ministry, many people are saved and have carried this Apostolic doctrine throughout the United States and around the world. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the Charlottesville community, the city proclaimed June 12, 2007, as Bishop Robert J. Michie Day.
Bishop Michie's dedication extended to his service on the Bishop Board and as President of the National Ministers Conference of the Church of God in Jesus Christ Apostolic, Inc. He preached and taught the Word of God while nurturing and guiding ministers, pastors, evangelists, and ministry leaders. He excelled in instructing on the "how-to's" of ministry and organizational structure, particularly in conducting official church ordinations and consecration services.
Beyond his ministry, Bishop Michie's personal passions included spending cherished moments with his family, traveling, wholeheartedly supporting his favorite sports team, the Washington Redskins and staying informed about the latest world and political news. His insights and discussions on current events were not only enlightening but also a testament to his sharp intellect. He was a loving, hardworking, and devoted family man, treasuring his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He took immense pride in being the patriarch of the family by showering his love ones with affection, wisdom, and being present for every special occasion. His smile and kindness brightened every family gathering, creating lasting memories that will forever be cherished.
Dr. Michie and Mother Michie's kitchen was a place of love, where delicious aromas filled the air, and family and friends gathered to savor every meal. Whether it was crispy fried chicken, stewed beef and rice, green beans, homemade biscuits, banana pudding, or the divine sweet potato pie, they brought joy to every table. Their love for cooking was a testament to their nurturing spirit, always ensuring that anyone that came through their doors departed well-fed and thoroughly content.
Dr. Michie shared a loving partnership with Mother Evelena Michie for over 65 years, a bond that transcended earthly bounds when she was called to her heavenly home on August 9, 2022. Their enduring love story is a testament to the power of devotion.
Bishop Michie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mother Evelena Michie, his parents, Robert J. Michie, Sr., and Gertrude Austin Michie, step-mother, Mabel Michie, his sister, Virginia Michie Jones, grandson, Edward Nowell, and son-in-law, Lawrence Collier.
He leaves behind a legacy of beautiful memories and a life well-lived, cherished by his daughters, Louvenia Nowell, Theresa Michie, Salina Hedgepeth (Ricky), and Gwen Johnson; sons, Robert Michie, III (Donna) and Calvin Michie (Melvina); brother, Alvin Michie; as well as a special niece and nephew, Brenda Jones and John "Zack" Michie. Dr. Michie's legacy continues to flourish through the generations, with 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, close relatives, and friends.
Dr. Robert J. Michie, II, touched countless lives, leaving an enduring legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 9,2023, at Union Run Baptist Church, Keswick, Virginia. Interment will follow at Monticello Memory Gardens, 670 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, Virginia.
He will lie in repose from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc.