Cover photo for Joseph Johnson Jr.'s Obituary
Joseph Johnson Jr. Profile Photo
1942 Joseph 2025

Joseph Johnson Jr.

October 30, 1942 — January 13, 2025

MURPHYSBORO

Joseph Johnson Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Helia Healthcare Center in Energy, Illinois, with his loving and devoted wife, Tena, by his side. 

Joseph Johnson Jr. was born on October 30, 1942, in Moro, Arkansas, to the late Joseph Johnson Sr. and Beatrice Daniel. At the age of seven, Joseph and his family relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. Joseph graduated from O’Fallon Technical School in St. Louis Mo. After graduating high school, Joseph enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country with honor and dedication. 

Following his honorable discharge, Joseph furthered his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He later attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Always driven to excel, Joseph obtained his CPA license, marking the beginning of a successful career in accounting. 

Joseph’s professional journey was one of dedication and accomplishment. In 1990, he moved to Murphysboro, Illinois, after being hired by Penn Aluminum as their Accounting Manager. He worked tirelessly in this role until his retirement in 2013, stepping away to care for his beloved wife, Tena, during her surgery. 

In 2017, Joseph came out of retirement to join Aisin Electronics in Marion, Illinois, as their Financial Specialist. His exceptional skills and work ethic were evident until his final retirement in 2022.

Joseph was first united in marriage to Alamtine Sain in St. Louis, Missouri, and to this union, their daughter Christina was born. In September 1994, Joseph married Herbertine “Tena” Harris, with whom he shared a devoted and loving bond for over 30 years. 

Joseph was a man of many interests and hobbies. He was passionate about sports, particularly tennis and golf, which he enjoyed playing regularly. His love for aviation was unmatched—Joseph took flying lessons and frequently piloted small planes from Carbondale to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. His adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for life left an indelible mark on all who knew him. 

A man of deep faith, Joseph was a devoted member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Carbondale, Illinois. He served faithfully as an usher, a role he loved and performed with joy until his health began to decline.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; son: Cornelius E. Broadnax; brothers: James Johnson, Robert Johnson, and Jacob Johnson; brothers-in-law: Robert Lloyd, Reverend Willie M. Reed, Johnnie Harris, Fred Harris Jr and Edward Harris; sisters-in-law: Clara Johnson, Helen Harris, and Maggie Harris. 

Joseph leaves to honor and cherish his legacy his devoted wife, Herbertine “Tena” Johnson; his daughter, Christina Johnson of St. Louis, MO; and his son, Dr. Ruben ( Dr. Belinda) Broadnax of Madison, WI. 

He is also survived by his brother, Jessie Johnson of St. Louis, MO; his sisters, Connie Lloyd of St. Louis, MO, and Estella (Gerald) Brooks of Florissant, MO; his daughter-in-law, Leticia Overton of Paducah, KY; and seven grandchildren: Corrion Johnson, Cevin Johnson, and Larry Johnson of St. Louis, MO; Keyara (Beto) Vasquez of Benton, IL; Nicholas Broadnax of Yucaipa, CA; and Nakela Broadnax of Madison, WI. 

Joseph was blessed with eight great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his brothers-in law: Rev. James (Loretta K) Harris, Ph.D., of Memphis, TN; Rev. Al Harris of Owasso, OK; and Amos Harris of Paducah, KY. His sisters-in-law Aubrey Reed of Winter Park, FL; Frankie Harris of Portsmouth, VA; and Dorothy H. Williams of Deltona, FL, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Final arrangements lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Johnson Jr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, January 25, 2025

10:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

803 Robert A Stalls Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

803 Robert A Stalls Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Entombment

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Pleasant Grove Memorial Park & Mausoleum

31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, IL 62966

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