The funeral service will be live streamed on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from the Memorial Presbyterian Church website: www.mpcclt.org

Mr. Otto Benjamin Johnson, 89, of Charlotte, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his residence.

Otto Benjamin Johnson was born October 25, 1935, in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the family home on Dundeen Street in the Washington Heights historic neighborhood, to the late Frederick Douglas Johnson and Mildred Amanda (Johnson) Johnson, making him a third generation Charlottean. He went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 16, 2025, peacefully.

Otto received most of his education without ever having to leave Beatties Ford Road. Beginning with his early years at Biddleville Elementary School, he then graduated from West Charlotte High School where he became a Basketball and Football State Champion. It was during these years as a high school student that he learned to play piano.  In June 1954, Otto enlisted in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Tank Company 504 during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in July 1957. Upon returning to Charlotte, Otto enrolled at Johnson C. Smith University, and graduated Class of '61. He later earned a master's degree and advanced certificate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Otto became an extraordinary educator who served in Charlotte Mecklenburg School district as an assistant principal for over 30 years. He loved sharing his love of music. Otto was an avid musician playing many instruments. He was an accomplished pianist; his first love was the piano. After retiring from CMS, Otto shared his talent as a jazz musician with students in the community to help foster self-confidence and prepare them for the future.  He was an active member of Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. He was an active member of the American Legion, a Landscape Artist, a Master Musician, and a Johnson C. Smith University 100 Club member.

Otto's greatest joy was his family. He married the love of his life, Shirley; their union was blessed with two beautiful children, Teresa "Annette" and Otto Benjamin "Benji" and four beautiful grandchildren.

Otto leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 67 years, Geraldine "Shirley" Mitchell Johnson; one daughter, Teresa Annette Johnson and son, Otto Benjamin Johnson II; four grandchildren, Breauna Denise Johnson, Gilbert Chinyelu Williams II, Gabon Ttosam Williams, Grant Dean Williams; one brother, Johnny H. Johnson (Easter) of Charlotte; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Mitchell Simms; much beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of lifelong friends.

In addition to his parents, Otto was preceded in death by his sisters, Madge Elizabeth Gray Johnson and Rosa Mae Johnson Jones; his in-laws, Thomas Edward Mitchell and Launa Morgan Mitchell; two beloved sisters-in-law, Tommie Fredricka Ingram, and Johnsie Mitchell Williams; and one brother-in-law, Thomas Anthony "Adolph" Mitchell.

Otto Benjamin Johnson's life was a testament to the power of education, the importance of community, and the enduring beauty of music. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Angels welcomed him into heaven, and he is with God, in awe of his presence.