Johnson, Jr., Thomas Cover

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Thomas Cover Johnson, Jr., 89 of Narrows, VA, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at his home. He was born in Suffolk, VA on January 19, 1934, to T. Cover Johnson, Sr. and Odelle Bowden Johnson who preceded him in death.

A lifelong resident of Narrows, he graduated from Narrows High School, Class of 1952, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1956. While at V.P.I., he was commander of Company I in the Corps of Cadets and was a member of Scabbard and Blade. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves, being honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

A lifelong Hokie Club and later Old Guard member, he was passionate about everything Virginia Tech. Tom retired from Celanese Corp, (Celco Plant) in Narrows after 25 years of service, as senior procurement agent.

Tom loved his church, First Christian Church in Narrows, and it became his home church at an early age. He served in many capacities and was, at his death, Elder Emeritus and Trustee. He served his community in a variety of roles including Board Member of the New River Community College, the local planning commission, and the Celco Credit Union.

He survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean, his 2 sons, Thomas Cover Johnson, III (Cilena Upequi), Matthew Wesley (Laura), 3 grandchildren, Thomas Cover Johnson, IV, Wyatt Andrew Southall Johnson, Joan Elizabeth Johnson, nephew, Wesley A. Johnson (Makena), niece, Kimberly Carroll Bennett (Bobby), great nieces, Skylar Bennett, Berkley Johnson, Kallie Jean Johnson, great nephew, Lawson Tate Bennett to arrive in December. Tom would have wished to recognize Shirley East for her devotion and care for he and Jean.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, November 20, 2023, at the First Christian Church in Narrows at 2pm with Pastor Stewart Davis officiating with burial following in the Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at the church 1 hour before the service from 1 – 2 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church in Narrows or the VA Tech Corps of Cadets.

The family is being served by Givens – Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.