Jesse "Shorty" Johnson was born on July 11, 1949 in Forrest City, Arkansas to Sam and Annie Johnson.  Jesse migrated to Gary, Indiana to reside with his eldest, brother, Sammy Johnson.  It was there that Jesse worked for over 20 years at Roosevelt's Service Station where he fostered and maintained professional relationships with all he encountered.

Jesse then relocated to East St. Louis, Illinois with his eldest sister, Elizabeth Turner.  Everyone in the neighborhood knew and called him "Shorty".  He may have been small in stature, but if you made him mad, he would definitely let you know!

Jesse departed this life on January 15, 2019.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Annie Johnson and his two brothers, Sammy and Isaac Johnson.

Jesse leaves to cherish his memory two brothers, Charles and Stephen Johnson of East St. Louis, IL; three sisters, Elizabeth (James) Turner of East St. Louis, IL, Eva Coleman of Madison, IL and Donna (Bernard) Brack of Lawrence, GA;  two sisters-in-law, Wanda Johnson of Gary, IN and Angela Johnson of Columbia, GA;  one uncle, Jesse Mack of Merrillville, IN;  1 special nephew, Johnny Johnson of East St. Louis, IL;  two special nieces, Noresha Johnson of Venice, IL and Lanita Johnson of Merrillville, IN;  4 special friends, Terry Cox, Bradford Outlaw, Robert "Bob" Williams and Joseph Springer, all of East St. Louis, IL;  a special nephew and niece, Alphonso and Mary Johnson;  and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.