Elmore Johnson

December 17, 1946 – September 7, 2026

Elmore Johnson was born on December 17, 1946, to the late Albert Johnson, Sr., and Zerlee Johnson in Woodville, Mississippi. Elmore passed away on September 7, 2026, at the age of 79 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Elmore was a proud U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and later worked as a coach operator for Greyhound Bus Lines, Inc. He moved to Lake Charles in 1973, where he built a life centered on faith, family, and community. He was baptized by the late Rev. Dr. V.E. Washington at New Sunlight Baptist Church. He later joined and became a faithful member of Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Fellowship under the leadership of Rev. J.L. Franklin and the subsequent leadership of Rev. Clyde Lewis.

On June 30, 1979, Elmore married the love of his life, Pandora "Pam" Johnson. Celebrating 47 years of marriage this past June, Pam was his true companion, best friend, and the center of his world.

Together, they raised two daughters, Heather and Haleigh. Loving, protective, and dependable, Elmore was the kind of father every daughter deserves. He taught them self-sufficiency, emphasized education, and fiercely believed in their potential. His final year was marked by two grand milestones: proudly walking Haleigh down the aisle to marry Jalen in February 2026 and watching Heather win election as Judge of the 256th Family District Court in Dallas County, Texas just weeks later.

Elmore took immense pride in maintaining the family home, enjoyed college football, and was endlessly fascinated by wildlife and nature. Above all, he cherished his bond with his family as well as his neighbors and friends.

Elmore was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Lubertha J. Kinchen and Lucille J. Grandberry; and his brothers, Clarence W. Johnson and Albert Johnson, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Pandora; his daughters, Heather Nicole Johnson, Dallas, TX, and Haleigh Hargraves (Jalen), Houston, TX; his siblings, Dorothy Thomas(the late Charles) and Doretha Johnson, San Francisco, CA; Robert Lee Johnson (Wanda) and Linda Short (Charles), Baton Rouge, LA; along with a devoted host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Elmore’s legacy endures in the love he shared, the lessons he taught, and the quiet strength he provided to all who knew him.

"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."

— Proverbs 20:7 (KJV)

Visitation begins at 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 18, 2026 followed by funeral service at 12:00 P.M. in True Light Missionary Baptist Church. Interment with Military Honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.