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Obituary for Farel Frederick Johnson
In Loving Memory
Farel Frederick (Freddie) Johnson, 96, of Yeadon, PA passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Born August 8, 1915, in Cold Springs, Hanover Jamaica, West Indies, he was the son of the late Zachariah (Cuban) and Alice Johnson.
He spent his early years in Jamaica where he developed a love for cricket, croquet, bird shooting and fishing. He completed his formal education at age 18 and went on to hone his culinary skills. While in Jamaica, Freddie was blessed with 5 children, Clifford(Jakes), Ronald, Citrine, Locksley and Audrey(Blossom).
Freddie came to America in 1943 during WWII to find a better life for his family. He worked as a chef cook for soldiers and a factory worker for the famous Campbell Soup. He received his barber's license in 1952 and became a surgical barber at Philadelphia General Hospital.
In the early 1940's, he met his 1st wife, Dorothy Williams, who had 2 children, Vares(Colleen) and Grace. In 1944, he married Dorothy and through their union came 5 children, Farel, Alice, Faith, Elaine and Crystal.
His Fraternal Association was as the Sir Knight and Assistant Secretary (20 years) of The William Penn Lodge #1 of Philadelphia, PA under the Grand Jurisdiction of the ALPHA DISTRICT GRAND LODGE #1 of the INDEPENDENT UNITED ORDER OF MECHANICS, FRIENDLY SOCIETY, of the WESTERN HEMISPHERE, INC.
Freddie was quite the entrepreneur and had many noteworthy experiences throughout his lifetime. While in Jamaica, he owned Freddie's Bar and Restaurant and served as a personal tour guide for the famous actor, Errol Flynn, during his visits there. In America, he owned and operated a barbershop in West Philadelphia for over 40 years.
He was preceded in death by his 2nd wife, Ola Johnson(nee Brown) and his partner and companion Maxine Seney.
He is survived by 10 children, Clifford "Jakes" Johnson(Ena, deceased), Ronald Johnson(Valerie), Citrine Johnson, Audrey "Blossom" Johnson, Locksley Johnson(Patricia), Farel Frederick Johnson, Jr.(Joyce), Alice Johnson(Ralph), Faith Johnson-Bonecutter(Bruce), Elaine Johnson-Adams(Barry), Crystal Torrence(Darryl) and adopted daughter Stephanie Gilchrist(Charles); over 40 grandchildren and a multitude of great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.
There will be a viewing on Thursday, December 8, 2011 9:00 AM at Yeadon Presbyterian Church located at 541 Holly Road in Yeadon, PA. The funeral service will start at 11:00 AM. Final resting place to conclude at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
