From Hardeeville to a Legacy
Eighty-five years of work, love, and giving — a man who started life with humble beginnings and stayed humble to the end.
A work ethic built in South Carolina.
Herman Johnson Sr. was born on February 17, 1937, in Hardeeville, South Carolina, to Lewis and Gladys (Blue) Johnson, and was raised with the help of his stepfather, Norman Rivers of Savannah. As a young boy growing up in Levy, South Carolina, he developed the work ethic that would become the foundation on which he built his life, his legacy, and his family.
As a young, adventurous man he found his way into Savannah, Georgia, and embarked on a career in the United States Navy. But before he left, he met the love of his life — Willie Mae Hamilton of 821 East Bolton Street. They used to walk to school together, and soon realized God had big plans for their lives. Herman went off to join the Navy, and came back to Savannah to claim his prize and his love.
Building a life of excellence.
With Willie Mae by his side and his children in tow, Herman settled his family in Jersey City, New Jersey. Together they raised four children — Stephanie, Dondi (Herman Jr.), Ronald, and later Danielle Denise, who for the time she was with the family brought everyone added joy — and built a legacy of love, sacrifice, commitment, and giving.
Herman was a tireless worker, giver, and provider. He taught school during the day, worked security at night, and honored his military commitment on the weekends. Between work, tutoring, photography, and studying for his bachelor’s degree, he still found time for his family and his countless friends.
Doing more for others than for himself.
Over the next fifty years, Herman built his legacy on doing more for others than he did for himself. Whether it was family, relatives, or a total stranger, he not only found time for them — he made them feel that he truly cared about them, their family, and their situation. In eighty-five years as one of God’s servants, he never once said a bad word about anyone or showed malice toward anyone. If you needed anything and he had it, it was yours.
His last words to the love of his life were “I love you.” And her last words to him were the same. Herman was all about love, pure and simple.
We salute you, Herman Johnson, for a job well done.
