ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Friends, family, and community members gathered in Conyers, Georgia, on Saturday to honor the life and enduring legacy of Kenny Arnold Johnson, a Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor who devoted his life to environmental stewardship and public service.
Affectionately known as “Pap” among his family and “KJ” to his friends, Johnson passed away on October 8, at 62, shortly after testifying at a public meeting about the ongoing environmental concerns from the BioLab chemical plume in Rockdale County.
His wife, Dr. Shamita Johnson, and a close-knit circle of loved ones will remember him at a Celebration of Life ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 2, at noon.
11Alive streamed the funeral online here in the video player below, on YouTube and on 11Alive+, which is available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Text "plus" to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream it now.
Re-watch the funeral service below
According to an online obituary, born on Dec. 27, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Johnson’s upbringing in the industrial region of “Cancer Alley” in Reserve, Louisiana, shaped his lifelong commitment to environmental justice. From an early age, Johnson was acutely aware of the risks posed by petrochemical developments, and he dedicated his career to addressing these hazards. His obituary says that after excelling in music and sports at East Saint John High School, Johnson attended Jackson State University, earning a Quality Control and Safety Technology degree. His early work with the USDA provided a foundation in leadership and conservation that would serve him throughout his life.
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Johnson’s passion for safeguarding the environment led him to make history in 2018; his obituary reads that he became the first African American elected by the public to serve as a Georgia State Representative for Soil and Water Conservation, overseeing Rockdale County. His expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the health of his community earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike. Those close to him describe Johnson as a compassionate teacher, mentor, and advocate whose fearless voice for truth remains an inspiration.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to a designated fund in Johnson’s memory, supporting continued efforts in environmental advocacy.