Claudell Johnson Funeral Program
On Saturday, November 8th, 2025 Claudell Johnson transitioned to his eternal resting place. Claudell lived in Mendenhall, Mississippi for the last twenty-six years. He was eighty-one years old at the time of his passing. Claudell was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 11th, 1944 to Freddie Mae Brown (d. May 31st, 1995). He was raised from the age of 2 by his grandmother Mother Alma Smith Hampton (d. July 24th, 1997) and grandfather Father Louis R. Hampton (d. June 15th, 1994) along with his four uncles who all proceeded him in death. Claudell leaves behind his wife of 57 years Helen (Hays) Johnson, his son Juan J. Johnson, his daughter Jennefir J. Lamb (Shawn), three grandsons, several God-children, a host of cousins, and friends who have been family.

Claudell spent his early years growing up with his uncles as brothers not as their nephew. They protected him during his youth and adolescent years. He loved football but was not able to play long due to a stomach injury. He loved to build things, even adding an addition to his family home. As a young man he taught Sunday School class as a member of his grandfather's church, Triumph - The Overcoming Church. He graduated from G.W. Carver Senior HS on June 3rd, 1962.

He lived with his grandparents until he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. While serving in the U.S. Army, Claudell worked as a nurse, a field in which he was licensed and trained. As the only man in his LPN class, he took a lot of flack. Later, while working a night shift at DePaul Hospital in New Orleans, a psychiatric facility for affluent patients, a patient attacked him with a knife and cut his neck near a major artery. He survived the incident; God's hand of protection was with him and spared his life.

Additional blessing came through the job at DePaul because that is where he met Helen. They settled in Harford County, Maryland. Three years later, Juan was born, and three years after that, Jennefir arrived.

In 1971, Claude earned an Associates of Arts degree from Baltimore Community College in Respiratory Therapy. His career transitions to medical equipment sales in the late 70s which precipitated the family's move to Fort Washington, Maryland where they lived for over 20 years. During that time he worked with the American Lung Association, Foster Medical Home Care and later bought out the company he worked for and started American Home Care.

Claudell had a heart for helping people and he did it very well. The food he grew in his garden, he shared with many. He served his community by putting together food baskets and delivering them to people who were in need. He sat on boards to support nursing programs and helped award scholarships at the county community college. He served as a coach for Juan's football team. He assisted with many fundraisers for Jennefir's high school. He shared his love of New Orleans Creole cuisine, seafood, humming along to the blues, and his passion for fire arms. Mostly, he loved sharing stories about his family and friends, gathering for the Superbowl, cooking on the grill, or going out for a great steak dinner. His smile, laugh, and warmth will be missed by many.