Steven Anthony Johnson of Southampton died on February 20, 2018, at Southampton Hsopital, with his brother, William, and close friend and neighbor, Evelyn Taylor, at his side. He was 56.
The youngest of four brothers, Mr. Johnson was born on March 10, 1961, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to the late William “Pete” and Catherine Johnson. He was raised in Southampton in a close-knit community of family and friends on Pulaski Street.
A 1980 graduate of Southampton High School, he played basketball there, a sport he later enjoyed watching while sitting in his recliner. He loved to watch all sports, especially NASCAR while the music blasted throughout the house. He was an avid reader of the New York newspapers. Survivors said Mr. Johnson had an open-door policy at his house with visitors greeted with the refrain “come on in.” He loved inviting family and friends over for cookouts, and he knew that his dear friend, Ms. Taylor, would make his favorite dishes.
For about five years, he worked at Hull Chevrolet as a detailer. At the onset of his illness, he had to commit to taking care of his health and he later endured many surgeries, hospital stays, and doctors’ visits. In spite of his personal health issues, he dedicated himself to caring for his mother.
Survivors described him as always joyful and hopeful. He often would say, “I’ll be alright in a minute.” He would greet you by saying, “how you be!” At Christmas time, his greeting was “joy, joy.”
Mr. Johnson is survived by his brothers, William Johnson and Walter Davis; and a sister-in-law, Gloria Jean; his aunts, Mary Shannon and Rosa Lee Spellman; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Douglas Johnson.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.