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In Memory
Edward T. Johnson Jr. died on October 6th, 2018, after a very long and valiant battle with cancer. Ed was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 20th, 1940, to the late Dr. Edward T. and Camille Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his only child, daughter Brittany, and his wife of 25 years Charlette BrownJohnson. He is survived by his beloved sister Judyann Elder, television and movie actress, and his brother James, a writer.
Before Amherst, Ed was the first black boarding student at the exclusive Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, where he was an outstanding scholar and athlete. Although the Johnsons lived less than two miles away from us in Cleveland, I didn’t meet Ed until we both had summer jobs with the Cleveland City Planning Commission, where he greatly enjoyed working with surveys of land use, housing quality and other issues; this may have helped propel him toward his career in architecture.
At Amherst, Ed became a Fine Arts major; he pledged Chi Psi and lettered in track. He was also very active playing piano at mixers and parties throughout the three college campuses. On Sundays, he really enjoyed playing the Stearns Steeple carillon. After graduation, Ed took a degree in architecture at Yale; after a few years of apprenticeship at illustrious organizations in Boston, he established his own firm and worked on many projects in Boston.
After his academic pursuits, Ed pledged one of the major black national fraternities, Omega Psi Phi, and was very active in the chapter, as well as leading youth programs for his church. His architectural masterpiece, a three-level home for a retiring Boston doctor, overlooking the Caribbean in St. Croix, remains under construction, but Ed was thrilled to work with progress pictures and reports until the end.
--Lowell Henry’62
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Edward Theodore Johnson, II
Edward Johnson, II Obituary
On Saturday, October 6, 2018, Edward Theodore Johnson II, Servant of Christ, Master Architect, Inventor and Author, passed away at the age of 78 after a long struggle with cancer.
Born May 20th, 1940 to Edward Theodore Johnson and Camille Ulysses Russell Johnson in Cleveland Ohio, He is preceded in death by his only child, daughter Brittany Dunreath Johnson and wife of 25 years Charlette Ann Brown-Johnson.
Ed was a giant of man, figurative and literally. Charismatic, genteel and witty, he was a man of “firsts” within his many seasons of life who was modest about his many accomplishments
Eldest brother to James and Judith Ann, he grew up in Cleveland’s Lower East Side. Building on the family’s mid-western heritage that reached back into 15th century Caddo Indians in East Texas and Arkansas, early 1800’s Algonquin Indians, while other ancestors are found along the Western Reserve in the southern Ohio Tuscarawas trails along the Ohio River Valley and Cadiz, Ohio.
Edward came from a long legacy of excellence and brilliance. His grandfather James Westcomb Johnson, a gifted builder of houses, and inventor of the steel-belted radial tire that helped stabilize the early iterations of Ford’s model T. Ed’s father, also a gifted man, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (1932) and his Master’s Degree from Ohio State University (1933). He was awarded a graduate study scholarship in Human Relations at New York University during the summer of 1943. His father went on to pursue his doctorate in education from Case Western Reserve University in 1955. A science teacher and humanitarian, he taught Ed discipline and patience. His mother Camille, a renaissance woman and student of the law who studied at Wilberforce and John Caroll Universities, taught him to be an explorer of the sublime to the profane, and to thrive on fearless pursuit and joy in the arts from the cradle. Planted in such a dynamic and rich soil, Ed was primed to summit the mountains of life.
Edward applied and was accepted into Western Reserve Academy becoming the institution’s first black border and graduate (1954-1958). Despite many thinly veil racist insults, including the unwillingness of the village’s barber to cut his hair, Ed demonstrated what would become his hallmark: transforming challenges into a launching pad to break barriers. He became Reserve’s varsity track captain and excelled as a student of the German language. Awarded the Robinson Prize presented to the graduating student deemed to have made the greatest advances academically, athletically and morally, and was ranked 12th in a class of 60.
Utilizing the advice of his Reserve academic advisor he attended Amherst College intending to start a career in medicine although the sight of blood during chemistry class revealed his future lie with other endeavors. Whilst matriculating, Ed’s love of music and prose was awakened. Freshman year he heard Robert Frost lecture. Creative writing instructor, poet and translator Rolfe Humphries taught him narrative and iambic pentameter. He was happiest playing jazz piano, and was privileged to be accompanied by Bryant Robey, Fred Rodgers and Dick Broughton. He also discovered the comradery of the Greek collegiate life by becoming the first black inductee of Alpha Chi chapter of Chi Psi Fraternity. In 1962 he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine arts degree.
Amidst the very turbulent times of the 1960’s, Ed embarked on yet another ambition endeavor: enrollment in Yale University Graduate School. Graduating in 1968, he was the first black man to earn a Master of Architecture degree from the prestigious institution.
Edward entered his professional career soon after completion of his studies. He apprenticed under Robert Prince Madison, FAIA, worked under David Jacob at Roche-Dinkeloo, designed in the Boston office of Bertrand Goldberg, and a 2-year stint as a lines and grades engineer for Vappi & Sons (1972-74) and serving with distinction as OSHA Safety Rep under J. Kevin Hurton, and assisting flying forms master draughtsman Paul S. Barton. He designed corporate identity signage for GTE.
1974 had 2 momentous achievements for Edward; first, he obtained U.S. Patent of Letters #3,787,909, for his research and development process of linking flexible urethane blocks with Velcro fasteners. Second, he started his architectural design practice: Edward T Johnson & Associates or ETJ&A.
The start of yet another journey began in 1976, pledging to the Eta Phi gradute chapter of Omega Psi Phi. Known as the “Solidified Six” his line brothers Edwin Waters, George F. Robinson, Rev. Grainger Browning,Jr., Leon Wilson and Rev Vincent Yancey, Sr. built a fast friendship lasting 42 years. Stories and memories of Ed during these times still caused great laughter and joy. They and their Omega brothers are very involved in their community and national affairs. Solidified Six have become prominent in their own respective careers and organizations.
In 1982, Edward received a precious gift, his only daughter Brittany Dunreath Johnson born November 20th. Tragically She passed away of unknown natural causes on January 13th, 2013. She was 31 years old.
One evening Edward was attended a Jazz performance at Copley Plaza and met Charlette Ann Brown a vocalist who spoke to his musical spirit. They fell in love and married after a short courtship. Together 25 years, Edward gladly serve as her main caregiver, she having suffered a massive stroke early in their union.
Edward and Charlette followed God’s call on their lives, were baptized and joined the Church of Christ. Ed began working within a ministry called Boys to Teens. He had a deep devotion to the young men in his charge; it was evident that this was also part of his life’s work. Being a member of the Church of Christ was deeply soul edifying. Minister MarkCraigwell and Ed had many meaningful talks about his Christian journey.
Edward was diagnosed with cancer more than a decade ago; he fought the good fight, going into remission several times. The last 4 years were increasing difficult with the death of his wife in 2014.
Edward T Johnson II leaves an enduring legacy, designing many projects beautifying the Boston landscape including: St Elizabeth's Hospital of Boston, Brighton, MA ($54M+ renovations), Carney Hospital parking deck and Codman Square Health Center.
He worked as production coordinator with local Boston artists helping them to bring to fruition their creations. He applied his prodigious talents across a dizzying array of design platforms which crisscross from buildings to furniture, clothing and flags.
As his health was fading, Ed entered into a partnership with Charles Bradley to continue his design efforts.
His final project was Casa Duvall, was Ed’s pride and joy. A stunning 3 level island country estate, design to rest on the shores of a U.S Virgin Island. It is his masterpiece.
Edward is survived by his brother James Johnson, Sister Judith Ann Elder and many friends
Edward’s final words were “too be continued”
Rest in Peace Dear Brother
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Contact
Nickname
- Ed
Family
Amherst Relatives
- Charlette Brown-Johnson W'62 (d)
Personal
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Professional
Employment Information
Former
- CEO/PresidentE. T. J. & A. Architects, Inc.Start:01/1986End:10/2018
- Architect/DesigCarlson Group, Inc.Start:01/1982End:01/1986
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Amherst
Reunion Class
- 1962
Graduation Year
- 1962
Major(s)
- Fine Arts
Other Academic
Secondary Schools
- Western Reserve Academy
Higher Ed
- Yale School of ArchitectureField of Study:ArchitectureDegree:Master of ArchitectureYear:1968
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Amherst
Athletics
- Men's Soccer
- Men's Track Outdoor
Fraternity
- Chi Psi Fraternity
Post-Graduate
Community/ Professional Activities
- Greater Boston Chamber of CommerceRole:Member
- Brighton Board of Trade Board of DirectorsRole:Member
- Society for the Preservation of New England AntiquesRole:Member
- Institute of Business DesignersRole:Member
- Boston Society of ArchitectsRole:Member
Publications/ Creative Works
- Wrote Them for Channel 56 'Visions' Program
- Articles in Boston Globe
- Co-author of 'Booker T. Washington Family Journal' 1996
- Poetry 'Shrapnel from Chamber One' 1993
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Judyann Elder (born Judith Ann Johnson; August 18, 1948) is an American actress, director, and writer. She played Nadine Waters on the FOX sitcom Martin. She also played Harriette Winslow on CBS' Family Matters for the remaining eight episodes of its ninth and final season, after the departure of Jo Marie Payton. Elder is also a veteran of the stage who has appeared in scores of theatrical productions throughout the United States and Europe.[5]
Early life and career
A founding member and resident actor with the Tony Award-winning Negro Ensemble Company,[6][7] Elder originated roles in the premier productions of The Song of the Lusitanian Bogey, Daddy Goodness, Kongi's Harvest, and God is a (Guess What?).[citation needed]
In 1969, she played the role of Russell B. Parker's young love interest in Lonne Elder III's Ceremonies in Dark Old Men and toured with the company to London and Rome. She married the play's Pulitzer Prize-nominated author early that same year, changing her name to Judyann Elder.[8] Elder and her husband moved to Los Angeles soon after, where she broadened her career to include roles on screen. She made guest star roles in series such as The Streets of San Francisco, Sanford and Son, Wonder Woman, and The White Shadow. In 1976, she made her Broadway debut at the Ambassador Theatre as Coretta King[9] opposite Billy Dee Williams in I Have a Dream,[10][11] directed by Robert Greenwald. She subsequently portrayed the role of Bernette Wilson in the television miniseries A Woman Called Moses, starring Cicely Tyson. Several roles on screen followed, including Forget Paris with Billy Crystal, The Players Club directed by Ice Cube, and Seven Pounds with Will Smith.
In the 1991–92 season of TV's Murphy Brown starring Candice Bergen, Elder portrayed Murphy Brown's obstetrician, Dr. Barton. Her recurring role culminated with the historic season finale where Dr. Barton delivered Murphy Brown's baby. She played Gina's mother, Nadine Waters, on Martin (1992—97), starring Martin Lawrence; Gina was played by Tisha Campbell.[12] In 1998, Elder replaced Jo Marie Payton as Harriette Winslow in the last episodes of the popular show Family Matters.[13]
Elder has frequently returned to the stage, and last appeared at Arkansas Rep as Rose in August Wilson's Fences. She also has many theatre directorial credits, including The Book of the Crazy African (Skylight Theatre), The Meeting[14] (Inner City Cultural Center, LA and New Federal Theatre, NY), Ceremonies in Dark Old Men[15] (Beverly Canon Theatre), and A Private Act (Robey Theatre Company). Her direction of Matthew Lopez' The Whipping Man[16] starring Charlie Robinson at the Skirball Cultural Center for LA Theatre Works radio series was broadcast nationally in 2016.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Melinda | Gloria | |
| 1973 | Blume in Love | Lulu | |
| 1978 | A Woman Called Moses | Bernette Wilson | Television miniseries |
| 1981 | The Oklahoma City Dolls | Helen | Television movie |
| 1982 | In the Custody of Strangers | Marni Blake, Prosecutor | Television movie |
| 1987 | Right to Die | Television movie | |
| 1989 | Those She Left Behind | Counselor | Television movie |
| 1995 | Forget Paris | Ivy | |
| 1997 | Sweet Temptation | Teak | Television movie |
| 1997 | The Pest | Mrs. Kent | |
| 1998 | The Players Club | Mrs. Armstrong | |
| 1998 | Dead Man on Campus | Guidance Counselor | |
| 2008 | Seven Pounds | Holly | |
| 2016 | Viral | Mrs. Toomey |
As director
- 1989: Behind God's Back – short film (also narrator)
- 2013: A Private Act – short film (also screenplay)
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | N.Y.P.D | Barmaid | Episode: "Deadly Circle of Violence" |
| 1971 | Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law | Episode: "Nothing Personal" | |
| 1972 | Sanford and Son | Darlene Edwards | Episode: "A Pad for Lamont" |
| 1973 | The Streets of San Francisco | Vi Hoskin | Episode: "No Badge for Benjy" |
| 1978 | Wonder Woman | Marge | Episode: "Light-fingered Lady" |
| 1978 | Lou Grant | Mrs. Hatch | Episode: "Babies" |
| 1979 | The White Shadow | Dr. Chatton | Episode: "Me?" |
| 1982 | Today's F.B.I. | Episode: "Bank Job" | |
| 1982 | Benson | Patty Stiles | Episode: "Quest for Retire" |
| 1982 | The Devlin Connection | Episode: "Allison" | |
| 1984 | The Yellow Rose | Episode: "Land of the Free" | |
| 1984 | Matt Houston | Ann Hoyt | Episode: Vanished" |
| 1984 | Webster | Irene Chambers | Episode: "Knock, Knock" |
| 1985 | V | Mrs. Caniff | Episode: "The Hero" |
| 1985 | St. Elsewhere | Elodie Haber | Episode: "Santa Clause is Dead" |
| 1986 | The Young and the Restless | Karen Olsen | 6 episodes |
| 1988 | Amen | Sarah Crawford | Episode: "The Minister's Wife" |
| 1989 | Hard Time on Planet Earth | Mrs. Tillman | Episode: "All That You Can Be" |
| 1989—1990 | Paddington Bear | Additional Voices | 2 episodes |
| 1990 | Star Trek: The Next Generation | Lt. Ballard | Episode: "The Offspring" |
| 1990 | Captain Planet and the Planeteers | Additional Voices | 1 episode |
| 1990 | Midnight Patrol: Adventures in the Dream Zone | Voice | 13 episodes |
| 1991 | Roc | Pilot | |
| 1991—1992 | Murphy Brown | Dr. Barton | 3 episodes |
| 1992 | The Powers That Be | Estelle | Episode: "How Sharper Than a Servant's Tooth" |
| 1994 | Beverly Hills, 90210 | Nora Touissant | Episode: "Hate Is Just a Four Letter Word" |
| 1996 | In the House | Florence | Episode: "To Die For" |
| 1992—1997 | Martin | Nadine Waters | 6 episodes |
| 1997 | The Steve Harvey Show | Ms. Crabtree | Episode: " I'm Not a Chauvinist, Piggy" |
| 1998 | Home Improvement | Diane Peck | Episode: "From Top to Bottom" |
| 1994; 1998 | Family Matters | Harriette Winslow / Sister Bernadette | 9 episodes |
| 1996—1999 | Mad About You | Nurse Lily | 4 episodes |
| 2001 | Family Law | Judge | Episode: "The Quality of Mercy" |
| 2001 | Becker | Judge Miriam Reinhold | 2 episodes |
| 2002 | First Monday | Darla Collins | Episode: "Court Date" |
| 2003 | Wanda at Large | Mrs. Hawkins | Episode: "Alma Mater" |
| 2004 | That's So Raven | Nana Loretta | Episode: "Leave It to Diva" |
| 2005 | ER | Debra Graham | Episode: "Refusal of Care" |
| 2005 | Blind Justice | Judy Dwyer | Episode: "In Your Face" |
| 2006 | NCIS | Marny Mathers | Episode: "Escaped" |
| 2007 | Desperate Housewives | Dr. Brody | Episode: "Gossip" |
| 2008 | Cold Case | Cecilia | Episode: "Sabotage" |
| 2011 | Love That Girl! | Phyliss | Episode: "Break of Dawn" |
| 2014 | Castle | Melinda Parish | Episode: "Bad Santa" |
| 2012—2017 | Family Time | Beverly Stallworth | 10 episodes |
| 2016 | Grey's Anatomy | Angelica Paulson | Episode: "You’re Gonna Need Someone on Your Side" |
References
- ["United States, GenealogyBank Obituaries, Births, and Marriages, 1980-2015", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKW9-8VF8 : Sat Jul 06 11:32:01 UTC 2024), Entry for Elder 3rd and Judyann Johnson Elder, 13 Jun 1996.]
- ["United States, Public Records, 1970-2009", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KTP2-F1N : 23 December 2019), Judith Ann Elder, 2007-2008.]
- JET Magazine – 10 Inducted Into Black Filmmakers Hall Of Fame In Oakland – March 15, 1979
- New York Times – Lonne Elder, 69, Pioneering playwright dies – June 13, 1996
- The A to Z of African-American Television – Judyann Elder – By Kathleen Fearn-Banks
- "Negro Ensemble Company, The (1967– )", BlackPast.org.
- "About the Negro Ensemble Co.", American Masters, August 18, 2004.
- Lonne Elder III (December 15, 1972). "Mastermind with Marionettes". Life.
- "Billy Dee Williams Scores in 'I Have a Dream' Play". Jet magazine. Johnson Publishing Company. April 22, 1976.
- "Billy Dee Williams Plays M. L. King in Hit Stage Play". Jet magazine. Johnson Publishing Company. June 3, 1976.
- "The Theater: A King in Darkness", Time, October 4, 1976, archived from the original on February 20, 2011, retrieved January 3, 2009
- Donald Bogle (2001). Primetime Blues: African Americans on Network Television – Martin Mania: The Rise of Martin Lawrence. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0-374-52718-0.
- "Family Matters: Was JoMarie Payton Really in the Finale? How About a Reunion?". tvseriesfinale.com. July 28, 2010.
- Woodie King, Jr., ed. (1995), The National Black Drama Anthology: Eleven Plays from America's Leading African-American Theaters, Applause, ISBN 1-55783-219-6
- Janice Arkatov (February 5, 1988). "'Ceremonies' Marks Tribute to Black History Month : Judyann Elder Directs Husband's Classic Play That Offers Sad but Hopeful Statement". Los Angeles Times.
- LA Theatre Works: The Whipping Man, latw.org, archived from the original on June 30, 2016, retrieved April 17, 2016
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