Obituary

Otis Andre Johnson
January 13, 1950 - July 18, 2019



On Thursday morning, January 18, 2019, Otis Andre Johnson surrendered and departed this earthly life into the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Otis Andre Johnson better known as “Pelo” to his dear friends and affectionately known as “Andre” to family was born on January 13, 1950 in Bogalusa to the late Allie Mae Johnson Oliver and the late Otis Charles Johnson. Andre accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized and attended Metropolitan Baptist Church in Varnado under the leadership of the late Dr. A.S. Nelson followed by Dr. Byron Muse.

At a young age Andre became an avid lover of music and dance; especially the “Motown Sound” movement. That enthusiastic interest in music and dance continued into his high school years. Andre attended Central Memorial High School in Bogalusa and graduated in 1968. While in high school he participated in the marching band and soon thereafter became the “Mighty Spartans” drum major, dazzling spectators with such awesome movements. Also while in high school, Andre attended Mae’s Beauty School of Cosmetology (as a house rule) and advanced to own a barbering business, having customers young and old from Bogalusa, New Orleans and the surrounding area.

After graduation, Andre enlisted in the United States Navy and after six years of dutiful service to his country, he was honorably discharged. He then for a brief period was employed at Crown Zellerbach Box plant. He transitioned to Detroit and was employed by General Motors for 8 years. Shortly thereafter, returning to Bogalusa where he continued his career and his love and passion for the genre of gospel music, which led him to become the “Old Spiritual Gospel Train” announcer for Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings on WBOX (892) AM/FM, often working alongside his uncle and mentor Andre H. Moses for many years.

Other establishments which Andre was employed before retiring included the Bogalusa Medical Center, Lakeview Regional Medical Center (Mandeville), Rayborn Correctional Center (Angie)and the  Washington Parish Council on Aging (Bogalusa). All of which totals more than 40 years of community service.

Andre was preceded in death by his mother and father; grandparents, Rev. B.B. Moses and the late Martha B. Moses.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter Osha (Michael, Sr.) Ward of Savannah, GA; two sons Damien Ross Johnson of New Iberia, LA and Otis Charles Joseph Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA; two sisters, Alva J. Martin of Varnado, LA and Ora D. Rembert of Jacksonville, Florida; special aunts and uncles, Helen (Gary C.) Magee of Varnado, LA, Claranetta Maxwell of Detroit, Michigan, Rev. James Moses of Detroit Michigan and Virgil Flynn of Detroit, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The visitation will be Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 9:00a.m until the time of the funeral service which is 11:00a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Varnado, LA; Rev. Dr. Byron Muse pastor, officiating. The interment will be held at B.B. Moses cemetery in Varnado, LA. Crain and Sons Funeral Home-Bogalusa in charge of arrangements.