Lionel R. “L.J.” Johnson

Lionel R. “L.J.” Johnson, 40 years old, of South Bend, IN, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at home, due to a cardiac event.

Lionel was born on June 2, 1982 to Lionel S. and Imogene L. (Thompson) Johnson in Germany, and has lived in South Bend, IN since 1996. Lionel was preceded in death by his father, Lionel S. Johnson; grandparents, Robert and Ida Johnson; Ideria and Grady Thompson; a grandmother, Lizzie B. Hudson; an aunt, Roberta B. James; and an uncle, Rev. Eugene R. Johnson.

L.J. graduated in 2000 from Washington High School and received a Bachelor Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Clark Atlanta University. He also attended Ivy Tech Community College to pursue a Medical Assistant Certificate and become Phlebotomy Certified.

He was currently employed with First Student, where he drove School Bus #604 for the last 1 ½ years. L.J had also worked at Daman Products, Amazon, South Bend Medical Foundation, and Honeywell.

Left to cherish Lionel’s memory; his mother, Imogene Johnson of South Bend, IN; his sister, Latoya Johnson of South Bend, IN; nieces, Jayda, Caderia, and Calandria Strickland; nephew, Calvin Strickland; and a whole host of family, friends, and coworkers.

Lionel “L.J.” was an influence at any job he worked. His smile lit up the room. He was easily loved everywhere he was. L.J. loved his family and friends. He started as a mischievous story telling child to grow up to be a sweet spicy fashionable soul. L.J. was delightful, helpful, loveable, direct, and most important ride or die. He loved house music, cooking, fashion, and the newest thing he saw on amazon. He was a little big brother, a caring uncle, a true-blue friend, and if you knew him you know he didn’t play about his mom. Lionel “L.J.” left a smiling imprint on you and got you straight with that spice when the time was needed.

A Memorial Service will take place at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, with Rev. Andre A. McGhee officiating. Family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

05/04/2023 EJS