Van Johnson, Jr.

Van Everett Johnson, Jr., affectionately known as Vinnie, Caesar, and VJ to just name a few, was born on April 24, 1968, to the union of Van Sr. and Emma Ruth Johnson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He came to know Jesus Christ at an early age and was a passionate pursuer of understanding His Word. He was a believer in Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Van spent the majority of his worship experience as a member of New Testament Church and was actively involved in Sunday School, Breakfast with the Champs, and various other ministries. Through all of his challenges, Van expressed that God as his Savior and he spoke of His Grace and Mercy.   Van attended St. Bernadette School before graduating from Rufus King High School in 1986. During his high school years, Van was a member of the basketball team and was commonly known as “Van the Man”. Upon graduation, Van matriculated to Howard University in Washington D.C., where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration-Finance Degree in 1990. He was a master communicator, organizer, networker, political analyst, businessman, and party planner. Van was the protégée of his late cousin Dennis Caver; he gained a remarkable ability to bring folks together with abounding charisma. Van ran for student body president at Howard University in 1989, and although he didn’t win the contested race, he made a significant impact on all stakeholders. He was a prominent figure during a student protest on campus and was instrumental in Howard University’s Administration making changes to accommodate the requests of the student body. Van was a faithful member of Campus Crusade for Christ while a student at Howard University.   Van began his professional career in 1990 with Cigna Life Insurance in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Chicago, IL with Prudential Life Insurance and later to Oakland, CA in 1993. He helped individuals and families provide financial security and peace of mind for their loved ones while working in the financial services industry. Most recently, Van began working with Milwaukee Public Schools as a Paraprofessional, embracing Head Start students at Hopkins-Lloyd Elementary School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was loved and appreciated. In the Spring of 1994, Van moved from Oakland, CA to Milwaukee and joined the Xerox Corporation. Soon after, he married Sheri Pattillo. From this union, two wonderful children were born: Van Everett Johnson III and Benjamin Parks Johnson. In his leisure, Van enjoyed socializing with friends, playing bid whist, golfing, and spending time with his family. He spent many hours teaching his sons wit, charm and compassion. Van volunteered at Life Church in the food pantry on Saturdays, helping to feed homeless people and those without financial resources. Van transitioned to his heavenly home on Sunday, January 23, 2022. He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Ruth Johnson, his father Van Everett Johnson, Sr., and his brother Calvin Taylor. Van is survived by his three children: Van E. Johnson, III (Milwaukee, WI); Benjamin Parks Johnson (Washington, D.C.), Alexander Del Rios Johnson; Uncles: Oscar (Jimmie) Johnson, Sr, William Johnson, Sr., Charles Johnson, Sr. (all of Milwaukee, WI); Aunts: Eva Flowers (Bayside, WI), Gwendolyn Anderson (Milwaukee, WI); Siblings: Clark (Rita) Sanford, Reverend Kenneth (Joyce) Woodson, James (Carla) Sanford, Raymond (Derrick) Tyler who all preceded the marriage of Van Sr. and Emma Johnson, and so many beloved friends, neighbors, classmates and relatives who brought him joy and comfort. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider contributing to a scholarship fund that will be established in the name of Van E. Johnson, Jr. All Services Trusted to: Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services 7625 W. Appleton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53222 414-461-8000