SR0501 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0501 LRB104 16120 LAW 29450 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Joseph Hosea Johnson of Peoria, who passed away on October 22, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Johnson was born to Charlie and Letha Mae (Smith) Johnson in Benoit, Mississippi on July 24, 1935, and he was one of 17 children born to his parents; he committed to his faith at the age of 12; he relocated to Peoria at the age of 18, where he met and married Annie Jo Hunter, and they had two sons, Joel and Jonathan; he was called to a life of ministry after joining New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, leading him to study at Chicago Baptist Institute for four years; he later continued his theological studies at the University of Minnesota and Harvard College in California; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Johnson, following his return to Peoria, served as a community worker for the State of Illinois Department of Corrections, working with troubled youth and becoming a probation officer after 18 months; he was promoted to director of Juvenile Court Services three years later, becoming the first African American to be appointed to that position and serving for 37 years; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Johnson began his pastoral history as an interim pastor with Star of Hope Full Gospel Church, formerly Star of Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in October 1967; he was ordained and installed as the permanent pastor in March 1968; at the same time, he also fulfilled other pastoral duties at Peoria Christian Church and First United Methodist Church; under his dynamic and life-changing leadership, Star of Hope saw and hosted countless miracles of salvation, healing, and deliverance; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Johnson served as a role model in the community and a beacon from within the church; he participated in the Cursillo Movement for 31 years, having the opportunity to minister at 39 prison sites in Illinois; his ministry also reached outside the United States for more than 40 years, touching Liberia, Trinidad, and Tobago; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Johnson was an extremely loving and giving man to countless individuals, serving as the foster father to many young men and as a religious mentor to a multitude of young men and women; he helped in sending 30 students to college and purchased 12 homes and 33 cars for others; he also donated funds to many local churches and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joel Johnson; his foster son, Ralph Wrightner Stuckey; and 14 siblings; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Johnson is survived by his son, Jonathan "John" Johnson Sr.; four children whom he loved as his own, Roderick "Rod" Jordan, Daniel (Elizabeth) Billberry, Kenton Young, and State Representative Jehan (Derrick) Gordon-Booth; his siblings, Willie Johnson and Bernice Johnson; six grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, foster children, nieces, and nephews; his extended family; his church family; and his friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bishop Joseph Hosea Johnson and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bishop Johnson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.