Timothy Arness Johnson

Timothy Arness Johnson was born in Erie, PA on April 23, 1961 to Arnold and Loretha (nee Williams) Johnson. He graduated from Meadville Area Senior High where he played football, basketball and volleyball. Tim attended Slippery Rock University where he played on the men’s volleyball team and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. Tim served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. He went on to work as a contract specialist for the federal government with the Department of Defense and the National Institute of Health.

Tim was deeply dedicated to his family. He worked hard to be a good son, brother, uncle and partner. As a child, Tim was kind and inclusive with his younger siblings and found ways to bring fun and joy to each day. As an adult, Tim traveled far and wide to build relationships with immediate and extended family.

Tim was a steadfast friend. He made connections with people from all walks of life and established lasting relationships wherever he went. He encouraged those he loved to live the best lives they could. Tim loved to attend events in support of loved ones. Whether it was a football game, concert, poetry reading or festival, he was there.

He was uniquely generous but tended to give anonymously because he did not like for people to feel obligated. He paid rent for a family when the parents were out of work. When he saw an unhoused person in the cold he took them shopping for a coat and other necessities. He gave to classroom fundraisers, especially in Meadville schools. The true reach of his loving and generous spirit may never be known but the impact was definitely felt.

Tim saw the beauty in simple things; Lake Erie, the Potomac River, sunrises, outdoor adventures, good meals and good conversation. He found particular pleasure in travel, music and songwriting, drawing and painting, family genealogy and history. He regularly attended the Jazz Church at Westminster Presbyterian Church and the drum circle at Malcolm X Park in Washington DC.

Timothy Arness Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Loretha Johnson, brother-in-law, Michael Genovesi and great-nephew, George Socie. He is survived by his brothers; Arnold Johnson III of Meadville and David [Sarah] Johnson of Manassas, VA and his sisters, Elsa Johnson Bass of Philadelphia, PA, Dee Ann [Dennis] Demby of Karn City, PA, Debra Johnson of Anderson, IN, Joyce Boaz of Erie, PA, Mehuman [James] Johnson Ernst of Portland, ME, Nancy [Everett] James of Jessup, MD and Anita Johnson of Columbus, KY. He is also survived by nephews; Arnold Johnson IV, Aaron Bass, Jared Bass, Jordan Davis, Jason Demby, David Johnson, Joshua Gordon and nieces; Kellee Gore, Jovieta Partsch, April Laukaitis, Amber Socie, Constance Johnson, Vanessa Carr and a host of loving great and great-great nephews and nieces.

A memorial will be held on April 22, 2024 at New Beginnings Church 13226 Leslie Rd. in Meadville, PA at 11:00 AM, followed by an internment at Roselawn Memorial Garden, with Full Military Honors by Erie Crawford Honor Guard. The dinner will be held at the Family Community Christian Association, 378 Chestnut St. in Meadville at 3:30 PM. On the following day, April 23, 2024, family and friends are also invited to attend a celebration of life event at Presque Isle State Park, at the 009-Rotary-Enclosed Pavilion at 11:00 AM.