Hugh Hanna Johnson, 1903-1990

Hugh Hanna Johnson was born in Isle of Wight County, June 3, 1903. He joined the church early in life and soon thereafter heard the call to the pastoral ministry. He was educated at The College of William and Mary where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, and later graduated from Duke Divinity School with a B.D. Frances Torian of Virgilina became his wife in 1932, preceding him in death in 1975.

In 1928, he was granted a licen5e to preach in the Durham District of the North Carolina conference, and later joined the Virginia conference a5 a probationary member in 1930. He was ordained deacon in 1932, was received into full connection in 1932, and was ordained an elder in 1934. During the course of his ministry, he received the following appointments: Hyco, Brightwood, Albemarle, Batesville, Halifax, Loudoun, Buchanan, Goochland, Brunswick, Shackelfords, Mt. Crawford. Mt. Carmel in Covington, and Riverton. Hugh retired from active ministry in 1970, spending his retirement in Virgilina and Fincastle.

Hugh died in Fincastle on November 25, 1990, and was laid to rest next to his wife in Virgilina Cemetery. His graveside service was attended by a large number of laity from the churches he had served, attesting to his many years of faithful ministry. Truly it can be said of him:

They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever.

-Willard D. Wash