July 7, 2023, 89, Goldsboro —

Donnie Martin Johnson went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 7, 2023, surrounded by his family. Donnie was born in Sampson County on April 4, 1934, one of fourteen children, to the late Dallie V. and Evangeline Green Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ida Sessoms Johnson.

Donnie proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his time in service, he began working in maintenance. He spent time with Exxon Oil Company, Town and Country Gas Company and later retired from O’Berry Center after 21 years of service.

Donnie found great joy in being in his shop tinkering and making things. What Donnie was actually doing in his shop was honing his skills and sharpening his mind. He had a gift for being able to fix almost anything. He wasn’t one to give up on a challenge. Fixing things was his way of staying busy and helping others. If you didn’t find Donnie in his shop-you would probably find him at one of his grandsons’ ball games. He loved sports and was so proud when one of those players happened to be his grandson.

Donnie believed there was something special about being around a table with family and friends. He enjoyed bringing everyone together for a good pig pickin’. He loved to cook but maybe enjoyed the fellowship a little more. Watching people enjoy a meal and spending time with each other was just another way Donnie shared his love.

What was most important to Donnie, though, was his family. He married his sweetheart, Ida, for over 68 years. Together they raised three children and Donnie and Ida always made sure God was the center of everything. They were a family that worshiped God and were always in church. Donnie was involved in all Oak Street’s fundraisers, such as fish fries to raise money to help purchase the land where The First P.H. Church is now. In more recent years, he enjoyed the senior church trips and the men’s fellowship.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at The First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1100 The First Church Road, Goldsboro. A service to celebrate Donnie’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Bill Rose and Pastor Jim Whitfield officiating. Interment will also be on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

Donnie is survived by his children, LaGray Marks, and husband, Charlie of Oak Ridge, JoAnn Bryan and husband, Mark of Sleepy Creek and Martin Johnson and wife, Rhonda of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Mark Bryan and wife Amy, Matthew Bryan, Ryan Marks and wife Sandra, Christopher Marks, Bradley Johnson and wife Amanda, and Colby Johnson; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Justine Lee, Mary Dixie Ginn, and Ray Johnson.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by 3HC. Love and heartfelt thanks are also expressed to his special caregiver and friend, Debra Floors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Donnie’s memory to
The First Pentecostal Holiness Church
1100 The First Church Road
Goldsboro, NC 27534

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com