Ira C. "Grit" Johnson

Born on March 7, 1950, in Mobile, Alabama to the late Willie Mae Johnson, Ira Cornelius Johnson was the youngest of six children. He was preceded in death by his beloved grand parents, Banks and Alee Johnson. At an early age, Ira joined Stone Street Baptist Church. He attended grade school and high school in Mobile and became a member of the Central High School Marching 100 Band. An artist at heart, Mr. Johnson enjoyed music, especially jazz and blues, drawing, writing poetry and collecting African Art. A natty dresser, lover of football, especially the Pittsburg Steelers, Mr. Johnson was also a humble, compassionate and faithful friend to all he met. Ira maintained a keen affinity for politics, constantly letting his friends know what was happening using his computer as his right hand. Shortly after high school, Ira enlisted in the United States Army and did a tour in Vietnam. Over the years, Mr. Johnson resided in Maryland, California, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia and ultimately returned to his home town, Mobile, Alabama. Ira worked to assist and support homeless and recovering veterans. He chaired a dynamic group �Veterans Helping Veterans� in West Virginia and daily supported �Recovery Between the Bridges� at the Veterans Hospital. Affectionately known to his loved ones and friends as �Grit�, Ira Cornelius Johnson entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the age of 61, at the Veterans Hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi. He is survived by a devoted and loving fianc�e, Sonya (Sandi) Corbett; three sisters: Andreda Brown, Decatur, Georgia; Evelyn Caffey, Mobile, Alabama; Marilyn (Daniel) Gilliam, San Diego, California; two brothers: Lionel (Trudye) Johnson, West Point, Georgia; Banks (Hong) Johnson, Upper Marlboro, Maryland; six nieces, four nephews and a host of grand nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A man of deep faith, Mr. Johnson united with Faith Tabernacle of Praise, Biloxi, Mississippi. The family has entrusted their loved ones' arrangements to the caring professionalism of RICHMOND-AUGUST FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi. (228) 436-6722