Billie Johnson

Billie Quash Johnson, 87, beloved Father, was called to his eternal resting place on February 20, 2019. He entered this world on July 23, 1931 in Okemah, OK, born to Quash and Ethel Johnson.
He is survived by the love of his life and significant other, Mary Rodriguez; his daughter Lillie Johnson; son Mark Johnson; son Matthew Johnson; daughter Lynda Johnson; daughter Lisette Williams; son Terrence Johnson; daughter Tonya Johnson; daughter Carolyn Acker; Eighteen grandchildren, Fifteen great grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his extended family Connie Vallejo; Mary Lozano; Betty Saiz; Ramon Rodriguez; Angelica Rodriguez; Dora Rodriguez; Crucita Rodriguez; Twenty-four grandchildren and Sixty-five great grandchildren.
Billie Johnson was the youngest of nine siblings. He is preceded in death by his Father Quash Johnson and Mother Ethel Johnson and his siblings: Rhoda Lue Brooks, Willie Bell Gillian, Lemmeth Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Eli Johnson, John Henry Johnson, Gertrude Johnson, and Louise Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his son Billy Quash Johnson, Jr.
Billie Johnson was a true Christian who trusted in our God Jehovah and believed in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He attended services at Jerusalem Baptist Church and often donated to special fund raisers sponsored by Word of Life Christian Fellowship Church.
Billie was an entrepreneur. He worked as an independent truck driver, a rancher, and barterer. He was very good at bargaining. A special moment in time is when He and his nephew Donald would trade--maybe a wrench truck in exchange for a trailer. He was very good at bargaining.
Long years ago, He and close relative would travel with the rodeo group to Boley, OK to attend the annual Black Rodeo Festivals. Billie would take the trailer loaded with horses and the riding chaps to participate in the parade. The motels would be filled as far as into Oklahoma City with black rodeo families from all over many states. Billie always represented the state of New Mexico well-dressed and well-trained.
Billie's favorite color was blue. He enjoyed the soulful sounds of the blues by BB King. Special thanks and gratitude to Mary who is instrumental in creating some of Billie's most favorable memories by planning and organizing many birthday parties. It was during this time when our families would come together to eat, drink and be merry. The show stopping moment would always be when Billie and Mary would take the floor and dance to a Latino slow jam where we all would witness him gazing lovingly deep into Mary's eyes.
Billie was a proud man and never wanted to ask anyone for anything. He was free-spirited and didn't live by societies standards. Some would describe him as Fearless because he was unafraid of challenges.
A memorial service will be held on March 2, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Word of Life Christian Fellowship Church, 1720 S. Turner Street----Hobbs, NM 88240. Services are under the direction of Griffin Funeral Home.

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