Rev. Willie Johnson

One of the United Pentecostal Church's revered evangelists, Willie Johnson, was born May 2, 1905, in Roanoke, Virginia. She was the daughter of Louella Cougar and United States Senator Daniel Layne. She was 'sold' by her mother in marriage to Scott Johnson who severely physically abused her throughout the imposed marriage. When they moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, Sister Willie had decided that suicide was a successful way out of the relationship and she made her way to the Wheeling Bridge that spanned the Ohio River. As she approached the bridge, she heard spirited singing as she passed a small storefront Pentecostal church.

She related in a message during an annual revival service at the Open Door Church, "It was beautiful! I reasoned that it would not hurt, nor change anything if I pause and listen. I stood for a moment, and the singing drew me inside. Something got ahold of my heart, and the first thing I knew I was in the altar. I received the Holy Ghost, and it changed my life, it changed my future, it changed my eternity."

Willie was baptized in Jesus' name in 1933 by Bessie Seal of Wheeling, West Virginia. Over time she became a member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and was ordained in that organization. Her ministry expanded to several of our Bible colleges, including Christian Life College of Stockton and Apostolic Bible Institute of St. Paul where all enjoyed her ministry and song.

She was encouraged by the pastors to affiliate with the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), and she did so. She then evangelized from coast to coast for over fifty years and was awarded a certificate for outstanding service and honorary membership in the UPCI.

Daniel Scott testified: "Of all the churches that have enjoyed Sister Willie Johnson's ministry, I feel that I can say without doubt that the Open Door Church in Charleston was her first love."

The West Virginia News published an article about her funeral which stated that "funeral services were held in the Open Door Apostolic church in Charleston, West Virginia, where she had been a member for many years. Special singing and music were presented by Brother and Sister Hugh Rose and Sister Helen Claytor. William Cole gave tribute and read some of the telegrams received. Among them was one from General Superintendent Nathaniel A. Urshan. It read in part, "Willie Johnson: saint of God, preacher deluxe, singer extraordinary. God's chosen has fought the fight, kept the faith, and gained the crown."

A chapter devoted to Willie Johnson in Pioneer Pentecostal Women comments that she gave everything: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and financially. She wore herself out in revival; she emptied herself out. She gave of herself untiringly! Her cross was not around her neck, but a special cross was on her back. James Kilgore preached that she was an example in attitude, in suffering, in simplicity, in motherhood, as a minister, prophetess, and more. And oh, she knew the power of a song and never lost her power to sing!

Surviving are three children: Rudolph Johnson of Charleston, West Virginia; Scottie Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona; and Gloria Johnson of San Jose, California. She is also survived by one sister, Anna Mae Reynolds of Roanoke, Virginia; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Her husband Scott Johnson and one son, Donald, preceded her in death.

The West Virginia District has always been thrilled to call Willie Johnson one of their pioneers.

She passed from this life on January 24, 1984.