Clarence Johnson
April 26, 1951 – December 30, 2021
Garden Grove, California – Doctor Clarence M. Johnson, 70, passed away in Garden Grove, California in December 2021. Born on April 26, 1951 in Camden, South Carolina, he was preceded in death by his wife Mrs. Betty Jewel Smith Johnson in 2002. Clarence had been a Pediatric-Neonatal Hospitalist on the medical staff at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital. Doctor Johnson had been well-regarded and appreciated by his colleagues and peers for his high degree of professionalism and for having a warm and caring personality. Clarence graduated from Jackson High School and had been one of the top ten students of the class of 1969. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia in June 1974. Doctor Johnson received his Doctorate of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, in 1978. Clarence was also preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Willie B. Johnson and Mrs. Helena D. Johnson, and a warm, loving, and supportive aunt, Mrs. Joeann D. Miller (Andrew) of Baltimore, Maryland. She provided support for Clarence when he attended John Hopkins University on a medical internship circa 1980. Clarence was also predeceased by two brothers, Bennie Johnson and Allen G. Johnson. Doctor Johnson enjoyed golf, chess, and marathons. He truly loved his family and would often have conversations with us as he played on the golf courses in California. He was often accompanied on the fairways by a loyal and trusted friend, Doctor Thomas M. Johnson. They enjoyed a wonderful and supportive friendship of 40 years and Thomas actually witnessed Clarence hitting a “hole-in-one!” Those left to cherish his fond memories and grieve his passing are a sister, Ellen Johnson of Camden, four brothers, Willie James Johnson (Shirley), Johnnie Johnson (Vanessa) of Camden, David R. Johnson of Hartsville, Herbert E. Johnson (Mandy) of Brechin, Angus, Scotland, Carolina, and his nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. The family of Doctor Johnson would like to sincerely thank everyone for their acts of kindness and heartfelt expressions of sympathy. We are especially thankful for the support provided by Doctor Jacob I. Sweiden of the Pediatrics and Neonatology Medical Group of Orange County California. Not only did he provide personal and professional support to Clarence throughout his career in California, Doctor Sweiden provided on-going support to the family during our time of need. In addition, the family would like to recognize the courteous and outstanding support provided by Mrs. Monique Washington of Duluth, Georgia and Clarity Funerals and Cremation in Los Angeles, California. In lieu of flowers and because of Doctor Johnson’s deep and abiding love for children, the Johnson family invites you to donate to the Children’s Art Project at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Donations may also be made to either of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) schools he attended; the Morehouse College School of Medicine (MSM) and the Meharry Medical College Vision Fund. A visitation has been planned at a local funeral home in Camden. Please abide by COVID-19 guidelines related to masking and social distancing if you plan to attend. Burial will be at the Jamestown Road Church of God, Bishopville, South Carolina. May Clarence rest in peace, a loving son, brother, husband and friend.
Published by The State on Feb. 21, 2022.
