Mr. Raymond Sinclair Johnson Obituary (1948

The sun rose on Raymond Sinclair Johnson on April 4, 1948. He was born in Roatán, Honduras to James Reinaldo and Ercelina Johnson. The family moved to La Ceiba, Honduras, when Raymond was still a small child, where he grew up and went to school. “Pa”, a nickname he was given by his mother, got a job working with the Standard Fruit Company in La Ceiba, not long after completing his primary education. In 1967, while on a trip to Roatán, Pa met the love of his life, Luneth Dixon. Their young love was one of instant attraction between both of them; and after two years of courtship, they made their love official on April 30, 1969. Their children: Norma, Raymond, Jr. and Harold soon followed. He found work as a cook on a cruise ship so that he could support his growing family. In 1981, Raymond and his family migrated to Boston, Massachusetts to join his mother, Ercelina. Pa and Luneth’s fourth child, Surie, was born soon after their arrival, and he found employment at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers. He worked for the hotel as a cook and chef for 32 years until his retirement. He was also a very active member of the Boston chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where he advocated for fair wages and benefits for union members. Raymond loved the Lord and would often sing hymns (especially after an evening of entertaining) on Sunday mornings, beginning with one of his favorite songs, “The Old Rugged Cross”. His faith drew him to accept the Lord Jesus Christ into his life and he became a member of Greenwood Memorial United Methodist Church. He would bring his family to church with him and he served as an example of someone who could be changed through the love and grace of God. Pa was a faithful member of Greenwood, and was active in the United Methodist Men and the Spanish Ministry. He had also recently joined the Chancel Choir, where his strong tenor voice could be heard distinctly throughout the sanctuary. He was always ready to greet you with a big smile and hug, as he entered the church building. Family was very important to Raymond. He cherished his wife and children and adored his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pamba”. He loved to be amongst family and friends and loved to cook and entertain for them. He also loved dancing, especially to soca and calypso. Pa traveled home to La Ceiba often, most often during the Christmas season, never forgetting from whence he came. He always went back to bring and distribute gifts to family and friends who had stayed behind. Raymond brought joy with him wherever he went. Pa was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Hayward Johnson and Martin Sanders, his sisters: Maize Brooks, Pearlena and Daisy Bennett, and his niece: Amanda Welch. Raymond leaves to mourn: his loving wife, Luneth, his children: Norma and her husband Alfonso Valladarez, Raymond Johnson, Jr., Harold and his wife Melissa (Sims) Johnson, Surie Johnson and her boyfriend Mario Harris, Roseangela and Gilbert Johnson, grandchildren: Celina Harris, Malik, Tyree, Senola, Rye, Angeron and Francisco Johnson, his sisters: Elvira Johnson Reyes, Greta Gallopp, Esmy Brooks and Hadie Branch, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. On January 15, 2016, the sun set on Raymond “Pa” Johnson. He was loved and admired by many and will be greatly missed by all.