Obituaries

Robert Henry Johnson, affectionately known as “Bob” by his family and close friends was born on January 19, 1931, to Frank Johnson and Martha Vaughan Johnson in Philpott, Virginia. He was the oldest of two children. As a young child, Robert moved to St. Mary’s County with his parents and lived in Lexington Park, Maryland. After graduation, Bob worked for Safeway as a butcher. Bob joined the United States Air Force in 1952, rose to the rank of Staff Sargent serving in London, England and Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

After departing the military, Bob became an entrepreneur opening his own cleaning company and later purchased “The Betty Shop” a high-end women’s clothing store. He successfully opened three other women’s clothing stores in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He became president of the Black Business Association of Philadelphia and was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine. Upon retirement, Bob moved to Martinsville, Virginia with his wife Delores. Bob was a gentle giant who loved life and people and he never met a stranger. He was not a talker but the words he spoke had lasting impact up all. His favorite pastime was working crossword puzzles and playing bookworm on his computer. He gave his life to the Lord as a young man and became a member of Mt. Olive #1 Christian Church with his wife when they moved to Martinsville.

Robert departed this life on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Delores, a stepson Kevin Walker, and stepdaughter Seretta Hunter. He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Linda D. Johnson; a stepson Ronald Walker and step grandson Nicholas Walker and a host of loving and caring friends. The family is eternally grateful to his special friend Sophronia Fuller; close friends Constance Swanson and Ida Fuller; caregiver Cory Moore; and Clarence and Martha Lynch who became family and provided tender loving care and support.

A memorial service for Robert will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at Norris Funeral Services in Martinsville, Virginia, with visitation one hour prior. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory is serving the Johnson family.