Mr. Joseph Johnson, 81, entered into rest Thursday, morning, July 26, 2012 at home in Martinez.

He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife and mother of his children Elizabeth Kneece Stewart Johnson and son James William Stewart.

He was born in Emanuel County to the late Hyman and Elizabeth Johnson.

Survivors include his daughter, Betty Jo (Mike) Dickenson of Martinez; 2 sons, Robert Joseph (Kim) Johnson of Grovetown and Frank Wayne (Terri) Stewart of Appling; wife, Evelyn Brinson Johnson and step children Mary and Martha of Garfield; 3 sisters, Debbie Price of Swainsboro; Bernice Williams of Glenville, Betty Woods of Swainsboro; 1 brother James Johnson of Twin City; 12 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Joseph was a loving father, husband, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a loving and generous man with a strong love for his family and friends. He served his church and community for many years prior to his illness. He served as Mayor for the City of Garfield for two terms and was a Deputy Peace Officer for many years. He is a member of Lewis Primitive Baptist Church in Jenkins County, GA. He loved driving a truck in his earlier years and traveled many places before retiring as a maintenance mechanic in his early seventies as his health started to decline. He loved fishing, hunting and playing Bingo with his great-grandchildren and friends. He always had a smile and kind word for everyone. He will be missed dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 30, 2012 at Lewis Primitive Baptist Church in Jenkins County, GA., with Reverend Tommy Roundtree officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Active Pallbearers will be Ronnie Womack, Jerry Johnson, Mike Johnson, Chad Johnson, C. J. Dickenson, and Scotty Dickenson.

Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Crowe-Fields Funeral Home.