Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Johnson, William Luke February 4, 1958
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Diane Renfrow dianel14@gmail.com May 4, 2018, 5:41 am

Norfolk Journal and Guide, Feb 8,1958
Even though South Norfolk police have listed the strange “fire” death of a 
Norfolk lay minister as being accidental, several important questions about the 
tragedy remain unanswered.

Relatives, friends, and neighbors of the Rev. William Luke Johnson,  79, of 909 
Summit avenue have posed the questions.

Some have asked how did the elderly man die of flames and the church itself  not 
burn?  Others say they wonder why various pieces of Rev. Mr. Johnson’s clothing 
were found strewn throughout the partly finished church?

Rev. Johnson, a lay minister,  was found dead in the Gospel Tabernacle located 
at Myers Road and Transylvania avenue.  He had been doing some work on the 
church.

Medical Examiner Dr. Edward D. Harris said Rev. Johnson died as a result of 
severe burns, although the church itself had not been burned.

Investigating officers said it appeared that a fire built in a small tub by Rev. 
Johnson had apparently set fire to his clothes.

They said there were evidences that he had tried to disrobe, but had been unable 
to get rid of all the burning clothes.

Rev. Johnson’s body was found by one of his daughters, Mrs. Joseph Walton, about 
10:30 p.m.  Mrs. Walton of 1266 Hanson avenue, said Rev. Johnson (a carpenter 
until he retired some 10 years ago) left home yesterday morning to do some work 
on the church.

Mrs. Walton said the family began to worry when he was not home by 8 p.m.  Mrs. 
Walton contacted the minister of the church and the two of them went to the 
church about 10:30 p.m. and found Rev. Johnson’s body.  Mrs. Walton summoned 
South Norfolk police.

Mr. Johnson was born in Littleton, NC, but had lived in Norfolk for more than 50 
years.  He was a contractor and carpenter prior to his retirement 10 years ago.

Besides Mrs. Walton, he is survived by his wife, Mrs. C. E. Johnson;  six sons, 
Roland Johnson, New York;  Luke Johnson, Ellsworth Johnson, Charles Johnson, all 
of Norfolk;  Bernard Johnson, Roanoke;  and Frederick Johnson of Mississippi.

Also daughters, Mrs. Clarence Calhoun, Norfolk;  Mrs. Ethel Laughton, Norfolk;  
Mrs. Isaac Murden, Norfolk;  Mrs. Frances Prince, Brooklyn and Mrs. Paul 
Hamilton,  Norfolk;  two brothers, David Johnson and Zollie Johnson, of 
Littleton.

Funeral services for Rev. Johnson will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Shiloh 
Baptist Church.  The Rev. W. H. Hamilton will officiate and burial will be in 
Calvary Cemetery.  Graves Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.



Additional Comments:
Calvary Cemetery

JOHNSON, WILLIAM 1541	Section 26, Space 196, 02/09/1958

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