Reverend Ezekiel Johnson, 96, of Palatka, Associate Minister of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, peacefully entered eternal rest at his niece's residence in Indian Lake Estates (Polk County), FL. The son of Benjamin Johnson and Charlotte Brown, he was born on Thursday, September 15, 1921 in Devon Lime Tree Gardens, St. Ann, Jamaica. Following his education in the St Ann, Jamaica School system, he was subsequently recruited and served in the Royal Air Force British Military Defense in the United Kingdom. After military service, he returned to Jamaica and pursued Bookkeeping studies. In the 1940's, farmworkers were being recruited by the Jamaica Ministry of Agriculture to come to the United States for better economic opportunities and he accepted the challenge. Initially, he came to the Avon Park, FL area and in the 1960's relocated to Palatka, where he has resided ever since. He was a longtime employee of Central States Diversified in the Packing Department until he retired. He was converted and baptized at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Upon arrival to Putnam County, he was a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church and served as an ordained Deacon. He was ordained as an Elder and was subsequently appointed in December of 1964 as Pastor of the Palatka Church of God by Faith and served until 1967. Following his pastoral service, Elder Johnson was affiliated with Zion Temple Church of God in Christ #1 under the pastoral leadership of Elder William Rutledge and later, Church of God in Christ #2 (Pentecostal) under the pastoral leadership of Elder Samuel J. Andrews. In 1986, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Loretha West and he became a member and Associate Minister at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Anthony Q. Robinson, Sr. Reverend Johnson served as a certified Chaplain, serving as a longtime Assistant Chaplain at Putnam Correctional Institution in East Palatka. Since July, 2009, he faithfully served the Lord with gladness as an Associate Minister at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church; member of the Men's Ministry and Minister's Council. He truly enjoyed preaching and teaching the word of God. He was always jubilant and had a keen sense of humor and would make you laugh.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by numerous other relatives, including son, Rev. Terrence Quinton Givens, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: wife , Loretha West Johnson, Palatka; sons , Dexture (Dolly) Givens, Palatka, Edwin Keith (Tangie) Givens, East Palatka, Johnnie (Claudette) Givens, Palatka; daughter-in-law, Lenora Givens, Jacksonville; 16 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, especially Winifred "Grace" Campbell, Indian Lake Estates, FL; Pearline Clarke, Hyacinth Barrett, and Ethlyn Clarke, all of London; Beryl Whitaker, Ontario, Canada; great nieces and great nephews; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marvie (Nathan) Allen, East Palatka; Willie James (Mammie) Johnson, Warner Robins, GA; church family and other relatives and friends.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Friday, August 3 at Mt. Tabor. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 4 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor is the eulogist. Interment: Palatka Memorial Gardens.