Conrad R. Johnson

Conrad "Ralph" Johnson was on born November 30, 1929 in Boscobel, Saint Peter, Barbados, West Indies. Ralph was the eldest of four children and his parents were the late Adelaide Eunice Burgess Johnson and Benjamin Simeon Oscar Johnson. He was predeceased by his brother, Leo. Subsequent to graduating from Lynch's Secondary School, Barbados, he taught Mathematics at Malvern Academy, Barbados. He immigrated to the United States in 1952, and resided in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York with his aunt, the late Mrs. Iola Burgess Inniss. In 1953, Ralph was drafted into the United States Army where he earned two medals: National Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He served during the Korean War. However, the war ended days before his deployment. After he was discharged, he continued to attend Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, New York. In 1957, Ralph began attending Salem United Methodist Church located in Harlem, New York, where he met Ruby Osbourne who was born in Mount Standfast, Saint James, Barbados, West Indies. Ralph and Ruby were married on September 5, 1959. In 1962, they welcomed their daughter, Denise into the world. Ralph wanted to continue to pursue his passion, teaching but was constrained due to the limitations of that era. He was still passionate about working with children, so he went back to school and completed his undergraduate studies at Brooklyn College and his graduate studies at Fordham University. Ralph spent the rest of his career serving children in the capacity of Social Worker, Physcotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In 1994, he retired from Brookwood Childcare Services Agency, Brooklyn, New York, where he served as Clinical Director of two group homes for "at risk" boys and girls. Ralph was a believer and a faithful member of Fenimore Street United Methodist Church. He was affectionately known as Brother "J" to the congregation, which was also the name his wife, Ruby used when talking to friends and family. He served for more than four decades at "Fenimore" in various capacities including Lay Leader. Ralph and Ruby moved to Florida in 2010, and began worshipping at Palms West Alliance Church. On December 18, 2010, Ralph began to receive Hospice Care. On January 24, 2011 at 11:27 am, he peacefully went home to with his Lord. Ralph's loving memory will be cherished by his bride of 51 years, Ruby Johnson, daughter, Denise Johnson-Hopkins, son-in-Law, Michael Hopkins, granddaughter, Adéola Hopkins, brother, Benjamin Johnson, sister, Olga Johnson, nieces; Michele Johnson and Dawn Johnson; special cousins Dolores Carty, Canon Cecil Alvin Scantlebury and Leotta Burgess Standford; sister-in-laws Esther Bunbury (Courtney), Phyllis Clinton (Edgar), Eloise Headley, Julie Osbourne, Maylene Prescod (Vere); brother-in-law Carlisle Osbourne (Donna), special friends: Albert and Dorothy Blackett, John and Lenora Blackett, Velna Bourne, Hazel Bourne, Cecil and Agatha Watson, Reverend Dr. Maxine Nixon, Brothers and Sisters of Fenimore Street United Methodist Church; Members of Christopher C. Blenman Senior Center; special neighbor, Barry Toon (Anita Havel); and a host of relatives and friends. Ralph will also be missed by his canine pal, Boo Boo and his feline pals: Spot and Missy. Please note that the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Conrad R. Johnson to: Hospice of Palm Beach County 5300 East Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or American Cancer Society / Hope Lodge 132 West 32nd Street New York, NY 10001