Rev. I.J. Johnson celebrated his Eternal Birthday at 90 years of age, as he departed this life on May 4th, 2018. He began his tenure as a pastor at the tender age of 19. Rev. Johnson served 62 years as founder and Pastor of the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. His years of unwavering service made him one of the longest tenured Pastors in the United States.
Originally from Troy, Alabama, Pastor Johnson moved to the Toledo area in the mid-Fifties; where he organized the St. Mark Baptist Church, at 1419 N. Detroit Ave., also known as Rev. I.J. Johnson Way. Bringing hundreds to Christ, He ministered not only to his church, but advocated and secured jobs for countless people seeking employment, so that they were able to support their families. Pastor Johnson met the love of his life; Betty Rae Johnson and they were married on August 26, 1958.
In addition to winning souls for Christ, Pastor Johnson has nurtured and mentored a number of ministers in the Northwest Ohio area and across the States. He never tired of preaching the gospel and spreading the Word of God.

Services are as follows:
Friday, May 11, 2018 - 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., “The Viewing” at St. Mark Baptist Church (open to public)
Friday, May 11, 2018 – 7:00 p.m., “Celebration of Life Service” at Indiana Baptist Church, Dr. John Roberts, Pastor and Officiant
Saturday, May 12, 2018 – 10:00 a.m., “Wake” and 11:00 a.m. “Funeral” at St. Mark Baptist Church, Pastor Charles Jones, of Christian Temple, Officiant