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Obituary for Ellwood M. Johnston, Jr.
We Remember The Life & Legacy of Our Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle & Friend
Ellwood "Woody" Johnston, Jr.
The following is an adjustment to the originally expressed arrangements
A Public Viewing is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2015
At Wood Funeral Home, Inc. 5537-39 W. Girard Avenue (56th St. & Girard Avenue) Philadelphia, PA 19131
Omega Service Wednesday, July 8, 2015 10:00 a.m.
Sharon Baptist Church 3955 Conshohocken Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131
A Celebration of His Life will follow at 10:30 a.m.
The Interment will conclude privately
The following is a personal message from the Johnston family:
Our dear Woody left behind five beautiful cats who need caring and loving homes . If you or someone you know can adopt at least one of these cats please call us at 413-244-6766
Adopting one of these sweet cats would be a huge help for us during these difficult times and it would also be a way for you to keep a part of Woody's love and sparkle alive in your life!!
Prayerfully yours, The Johnston Family
Obituary Ellwood Milton Johnston, Jr., more fondly known by friends and family as “Woody,” passed away on Wednesday June 24, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 59.
Born in Philadelphia, on October 27, 1955 to Betty Jean Mauney and Ellwood Milton Johnston, Woody attended Governor’s Academy in Byefield, Massachusetts as a young man before returning home to complete his studies at Germantown High School where he graduated in 1974. He returned to Massachusetts in the Fall of that year to begin course work at Northeastern University in Boston. There his personality and spirit quickly blossomed as he took to the radio air beginning his career in the music industry as a “Disc jockey” at WRBB “Soul’s Place.”
While in Boston, Woody met a Harvard University graduate student named Al Haymon, who shared a similar passion in entertainment management. Several years would pass before the two began working together. Woody’s big break in the music industry started back in Philadelphia where he was completing a short stint at KYW-TV. The musical group Sister Sledge called upon him to assist with one of their upcoming tours and Woody jumped at the opportunity.
After living in Philadelphia for many years, Woody made the transition to Los Angeles, CA to continue his love and passion for the music industry.
In the years that followed Woody went on to work with some of the top artists in the country as production and tour manager for Patti Labelle, The O’Jays, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Atlantic Star, New Edition, Eddie Murphy, El Debarge, Freddie Jackson, TLC, Babyface, Gerald Levert, Anita Baker, En Vogue, MC Hammer, The Isley Brothers, Mary J Blige, and Teena Marie to name a few.
Woody is lovingly remembered by his mother Betty Mauney of Charlotte, NC, Stepmother Olivia Johnston of Belchertown, MA, four siblings, Cathy, Kenneth, Haile, and Keir Johnston; four nieces, Machere, Jihan, Cecilia and Isabella Johnston; three nephews, Davon Smith, Jr., Alejandro and Nicolas Johnston; Sister-in-law, Tatiana Granados; three aunts, Patricia Mudd, Barbara Conway and Esther Johnston; Woody also leaves behind a host of beloved family and friends.
Woody was a dedicated individual who loved music and who was passionate about the entertainment industry. He was an active, dedicated, and life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. where he pledged the Mighty Tau Tau chapter in Compton, CA., and he continued to work locally for the Nu Omega chapter. Pastor Lester Fields will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Woody's life. Flowers can be sent to Sharon Baptist Church, 3955 Conshohocken Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131 no later than 8 a.m. on July 8 The Johnston family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and prayers.