Oliver Johnson was born on February 14, 1930 in Memphis, TN to Ollie and Eula Bea Johnson. He was the first of two children. His sister, Ouida, was born two years later.
In 1938, the Johnson family moved from Memphis to St. Louis where he spent the rest of his childhood. He eventually went to Sumner High School where he was classmates with the late Dick Gregory. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Eventually, he ended up graduating from Washington University as one of its first African American graduates from the School of Art where he finished with both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
He entered the educational field where he spent 34 years teaching elementary grades at Emerson School in North St. Louis. His teaching excellence and service was appreciated as his former students remembered him with fondness. Oliver met the love of his life, Marvelle Johnson in 1964 and they were married on February 20, 1966 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Their union resulted in the birth of their son, Aaron Johnson. They remained faithfully married for over 51 years.
He had a passion for tennis where his athletic exploits were known throughout the local area. He was revered for his playing dominance at Fairgrounds Park during the 1960s and 1970s. He was taught the game as an adult under the revered tennis professional, Richard Hudlin, who was a coach of the great Arthur Ashe.
He was an extremely talented artist whose oil paintings were exquisite and valued by friends and family. In 2003, his rendition of Jesus Christ won first place at an arts competition at Third Baptist Church.
On Monday, December 11, 2017, Oliver transitioned to eternal life as a believer in Jesus Christ. His memory is cherished by many family members and friends, including his wife, Marvelle, his son, Aaron Oliver Johnson (Victoria), his granddaughters, Olivia Elyse and Zoe Marvelle Johnson. He is also fondly remembered by his beloved sister, Ouida Austin (Sam), two nieces, Sharon (Bill) Hodges and Peggy Austin, and nephew, Victor (Renee) Austin. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Pamela Sue Green, brother-in-law, Stanley (Dawn) Johnson, and niece, Bridgett Curry.
