Posted September 4th, 2009
CROWLEY -- Dr. Wadsworth M. Johnson, long-time St. Landry Parish educator, died Monday, Aug. 31 in Lafayette.
Wadsworth graduated from O.W. Dillon High School in 1961. He attended Southern University- Baton Rouge where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 1966. He later received his Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling and Education Administration and Supervision from Southern University- Baton Rouge.
He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Kappa Psi Music Fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha professional music fraternity.
He worked for the St. Landry Parish School Board for 35 years. For several years, he served as an usher, a member of the citywide usher union, bible study teacher and president of the Male Chorus of Jerasulem Baptist Church, Crowley.
He received his Doctorate of Theology at Grace Evangelical Seminary in Lake Charles and later was a professor at the school.
He also worked as a professional photographer and as a tenor saxophonist for many local recording artists and groups. He was an amateur pilot and a licensed Ham Operator who served the community by contacting and reconnecting family members during major crises.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Johnson of Crowley; two children of his previous marriage, Dr. Cedric Johnson (Dr. Sekile Nzinga-Johnson) of Rochester, N.Y. and the Rev. Cherida D. Gary (LaShawn Gary) of Northbrook, Ill.; and five grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents Edison M. Johnson and Rosa Bell McKinley Johnson.
A home-going celebration will be held at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 927 West 7th Street in Crowley on Saturday, September 5 at 11 am.
Visitation will begin at 9 am until time of service.
Wilturner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.