John Bernard Johnson, 88, of Leonardtown, MD died October 25, 2006.

Born April 29, 1918, he was the son of the late John Bernard and Hannah Barnes Johnson. He was the oldest of 16 brothers and sisters. Bernard attended St. Mary's County Public Schools in Maryland. In his earlier years he worked as a farmer and was later employed at the Mattingly's IGA and St. Mary's County Board of Education. He retired from Mattingly's IGA after over fifty years of service.

Bernard Married Agnes Cecilia Neal on December 21, 1941 and from that union they had five children. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church in Leonardtown, MD. Bernard enjoyed gardening, talking "reminiscing about the good old days", dancing and playing cards. He always had a good sense of humor and enjoyed being around family. He lived each day to the fullest with a heart of gold. Because of his heart and generosity, he won the love and respect of all who knew him.

Bernard leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Jane Cecilia Thomas and Ann Marie Thomas of Chaptico, MD, one son, James Henry Johnson of Lexington Park, MD, two sisters, Mary Johnson of LaPlata, MD and Theresa Johnson of Lexington Park, MD, one daughter-in-law, Linda Johnson of Leonardtown, MD, two sons-in-law, Louis Thomas and Clarence Thomas of Chaptico, MD, two sisters-in-law, Catherine Thompson and Estelle Neal of Hollywood, MD, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, two god-daughters, Doris Hanson and Dr. Joyce Neal, three god-sons, Walter Neal, George Neal and Timothy Chase. He will be missed by a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Agnes Cecilia Johnson, daughter, Mary Agnes Johnson and son, Joseph Bernard Johnson.

The family received friends on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in St. Aloysius Church. Reverend Timothy Baer, Pastor of Our Lady of the Wayside, celebrated the Mass. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Serving as pallbearers were Thomas Branson, Louis X. Thomas, Jr., John S. Thompson, Clarence Thomas, Jr., Eric Reed and Robert Thomas. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Leroy Johnson, Walter Neal and the Mattingly's IGA team.