Johnson, Arlie Jay. On Thursday, December 23, 2021, Jay took his last breath here on Earth and entered his Heavenly home. Richard and Helen (Lavender) Johnson welcomed Arlie "Jay" to the family on August 12, 1942, as the third child of seven. At the age of 17, Jay enlisted in the Army for 4 years. Upon his return to civilian life, he worked as a Millwright for over 50 years. On July 2, 1966, Jay married Sharon M. Van Driel. As a couple they attended Good News Baptist Church for over 50 years where Jay served in many different compacities of the church, including packing and shipping barrels for Bangladesh.
Jay is survived by his children, Brian Johnson, Stacey & Erika Johnson, Jennifer Wilber/Mark Walma, his 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Along with "adopted" family members; Donnie & Sue Eakins and their two children. Also surviving Jay are his siblings; Sue Tufflemire, Ed (Debbie) Johnson, Larry (Kristin) Johnson, Gary (Debbie) Johnson and Jana Vincent.
Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon M. (Van Driel), his parents, Richard and Helen Johnson and brother, Don Johnson.
On Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 11 am to 12 pm there will be a time of visitation with the family at Good News Baptist Church 6830 Eastern Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508, with the service following at 12 pm. Pastor Brian Cederquist will be presiding. There will be a luncheon following the service. Per Jay's request, cremation has already taken place.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations can be made in Jay's name to Memorial Christian Hospital. Checks can be made payable to ABWE and mailed to ABWE PO Box 8585 Harrisburg, PA 17105 with a note to state in Memory of Jay Johnson or you can give online at www.abwe.org/work/support. The project number is 0771501. In the field that allows Additional Donation Details, please provide In Memory of Jay Johnson.
The service is going to be live streamed at: www.gnbcgr.org/live for those that are unable to attend. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Arlie Johnson August 12, 1942 - December 23, 2021 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book