John L. Johnson Sr. , well known as "Jay" or "Johnell" was born August 14, 1952 in St. Louis, MO to parents Jesse Johnson Sr. and Ruth Ann Johnson who preceded him in death. John was the last of ten siblings who preceded him in death, Charles Johnson (1965), Alberta Jelks (1999), Judy Mae Graham (2005), Gladys Adam (2007), Henry Johnson (2007), Alexander Johnson (2016), Lewis Johnson (2017), Van Johnson (2018), Jesse Johnson, Jr. (2021), John's oldest son, John L. Johnson, Jr. (2020), and stepson, Lydell Pitts (2022), preceded him in death due to COVID-19.

John received his education in School District #189 in East St. Louis, IL. John became a father at a very young age and started his first job with Industrial (C&H) Sugar for over ten years. John worked numerous jobs, but his last job was with The Casino Queen, as a Blackjack dealer for 18 years before his health started to decline.

In John's younger years, he loved to go hang out with friends at the lounge named The Alabam in the South End of East St. Louis. He enjoyed playing darts, bowling, shooting pool and playing cards. For over 50 years he would never forget to play his lottery daily. John loved buying clothes and no matter where he was going his pants had to have a crease in them. John changed his life and has been clean for 30 years and was apart of The New Day Social Club.

John was in great spirits before God decided to call him home on April 9, 2023 . We know that God makes no mistakes. Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. This is not goodbye; this is until we see each other again."

John leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 26 years, Patricia Pitts Johnson of East St. Louis, IL; daughter; Tandra Johnson Brinker (Fairview Heights, IL); son, DeCarlo (Demetra) Johnson (St. Charles, MO); four step-children, Theresa Pitts (Cahokia Heights, IL), Patrice Pitts (Cahokia Heights, IL); grandchildren, Deshaea, Kehsyn, Teron Jr., Talia, Kenae, Breanna, Kamarion, Trevon, Karmen, Nathan, JaCieon, Amari, Marquee, Javion, Krysshay, Jerome, Titus, Allunah, and Antionette; great grandchildren, Akeelan, Alanyna, Arale, Alahni, Sabria, TJ, Lamya, Nova, and Messiah; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews; special cousin, Earl Johnson; his family in recovery at The New Day Social Club.