Faithful, hard-working O'Brian Johnson laid to rest

Life Tributes

BY CANDIESE LEVERIDGE Observer reporter leveridgec@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, February 19, 2012

THE tears flowed freely as the family and friends of O'Brian Johnson congregated at the Clifton New Testament Church, Mannings Hill Road, Kingston 8, on Wednesday to bid him their final farewell.

The church was just as full as O'Brian's life was, according to those who gave tributes.

The thanksgiving ceremony was officiated by Reverend Donald Roberts who opened with a calming message.

"Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus," he said.

He comforted the family by telling them that God's mercies are never-ending.

The first lesson was read by Jacqueline Azan, director of Azmart, the place where Johnson worked. A large number of fellow employees were also present obviously saddened by his sudden demise.

Vivienne Davidson, Johnson's manager, shared kind words about the deceased.

"Words cannot express how loved and precious 'OB' was to us at Azmart. As his manager, I found him to be honest and true," she said.

She said 'OB', as he was affectionately known, was willing to work and his faithfulness and respect towards his co-workers was admirable. She described him as a quiet, well-mannered and unassuming fellow, a G-E-M, always Going the Extra Mile.

In her tribute to Johnson, Deborah Johnson, his sister, sang Whitney Houston's I Look To You. Stating it is a song she has always loved and she found it fitting.

Kimberly Palmer gave a spirited eulogy, not holding back her feelings towards who she described as the 'unscrupulous' men who killed O'Brian.

In his sermon to the congregation, Reverend Roberts sought to address the young men, he reminded them that they had purpose. He preached that they had value to the nation and to God. He also reminded the family that God cares and understands because he too lost his own son.

O'Brian Johnson was stabbed to death on January 21 after he accidentally stepped on a man's shoe at a nightclub in his community. The residents report that O'Brian apologised and even knelt to clean off the man's shoe. He was stabbed several times and died on the way to hospital.