Morris L. Johnson

Published 2:31 pm Monday, June 2, 2025

Morris Johnson passed away peacefully Saturday, May 24, 2025, at University Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, following a brief hospital stay. He was comforted by his youngest daughter, Regina Johnson.

Born Nov. 14, 1939, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Morris was the son of the late Jim Johnson and Regina Gray-Johnson. He was raised in the Cedars community of Vicksburg, where he spent the majority of his life.

Morris Johnson devoted his life to the service and development of young people in Warren County. He served as a teacher and coach in the Vicksburg-Warren Public School District for 31 years before retiring. Known affectionately as “Coach Johnson,” he was deeply respected by students, colleagues, and community members alike. During his tenure at Warren Central High School, he served as assistant varsity football coach, varsity cross country coach, and founded the Coca-Cola Relays track and field event—an enduring legacy of his commitment to student-athletics. Above all, Morris was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. His love for his family and community was unwavering.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Johnnie B. Johnson; his parents, Jim and Regina Johnson; his eldest daughter, Lisa Johnson; and his brother, Charles Johnson of Chicago.

He is survived by two daughters, Dr. Kay Johnson (Dr. Lewis H. Burke Jr.) of Atlanta and Regina Johnson of Vicksburg; his sister, Catherine B. Smith (Shelby Brown) of Decatur, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Shirley Harris of Vicksburg, Jeanie Washington of Jackson, and Mary Johnson and Carrie Johnson of Chicago; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Travelers Rest Baptist Church, located at 718 Bowmar Ave., Vicksburg, Mississippi. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home Friday, June 6, 2025, from 1 until 7 p.m., with family present from 6 until 7 p.m., and at the church Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

The family of Coach Morris Johnson would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Vicksburg community for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of Coach Morris Johnson to: Tougaloo College Alumni Association, 500 West County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS 39174.