Steven Johnson

.Steven Zachary Johnson Sr. (Steve) was born on July 5, 1950 at Philadelphia General Hospital to parents Eddie Hattens and Phyllis Johnson. He was the oldest of 4 children, 1 brother, Lee, and 2 sisters, Vera and Mavola. He grew up in both West and North Philadelphia and was educated in Philadelphia Public School System. He graduated from Overbrook High School.

Steve's love of art started very early. Steve's mom says that he was a very "active" child so to entertain him she gave him a pencil and paper and taught him to draw a teacup and saucer. From that day on he asked for paper to draw every day, then colored pencils, then watercolors and so on. Even at a young age Steve's drawings were impressive and it was clear that he had a natural talent and love for art. Steve's mother recognized his talent and supported his love of art and sent him to school to continue to develop it.

Steve attended the Philadelphia College of Art (currently known as The University of the Arts) where he received both his Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Art Education (1975). Combining his love for art, love of children and educating young minds, Steve embarked on a career he would enjoy all his life as an Art Teacher in the Philadelphia School System.

Steve accepted Christ at a young age and served him faithfully all his life. Every Friday from the time he was a teenager until his passing he fasted. As a youth, Steve was an active member of Faith, Hope and Love Church. He served as a deacon, mentor, choir president, and traveled with the Youth Rally doing mission work. On one occasion, Steve piled children into a blue 55 Chevy to take them to a Youth Revival. They didn't know exactly how many children were in the car until the police pulled the car over and counted that there were 17 children in the car.

Steve's life was forever changed when he met Betty Richardson while doing mission work with the church. Steve's father would see Steve and Betty interact and tell Steve, "one day that will be your wife." That day was December 5, 1975. To that union were born two boys, Steven Zachary Johnson II on September 29, 1976 and Gregory Johnson on May 16, 1979. Steve and Betty were married for 36 wonderful years and were a true example of a loving and supportive partnership. Steve and Betty were in love and inseparable until her passing in 2011.

Adversity comes to us all but it is how we react to it that truly shows our character. Steve was born with a tumor in in his spine. The tumor was not discovered until he was 33 and he was given only 6 months to live. Though as a result of the tumor Steve became a paraplegic, he lived each day of his life to the fullest and never let any obstacle slow him down or steal his optimism.

As an adult Steve and his family were and are dedicated members of the Mount Airy Church of God in Christ. Mr. Steve was often one of the first people to greet you with a smile and a kind word in the lobby on Sunday Morning.

Steve leaves us to join his beloved wife Betty. He leaves to mourn him his Mother, Phyllis Johnson, his sons Steven Johnson II and Gregory Johnson (Dominique), 6 grandchildren Dominic, Myles, Jamil, Steven III, Carrington and Devon, his Brother Leon Johnson (Tracy), Sisters ,Vera Seawright and Dr. Mavola Tench (Gerald), and a host of other family, friends and students.

Steve leaves a legacy of love, love of God, strength and determination in the face of adversity and a love of art to his mother, children and extended family, to all those whose lives he touched with his kind eyes, soft voice, genuine smile and the gift of his undivided attention and to all of those who will continue to enjoy his works of art for years to come.

Lovingly Submitted,
The Hatten, Johnson and Gramby Families