Theodore William Johnson

Theodore William Johnson, age 80, passed away peacefully with his beloved dog, Elijah, by his side. Born on June 13, 1944, to Rev. Theodore Titus Johnson and Carol Livingston Baldwin Johnson. Ted dedicated his life to faith, family, and community. Ted's lifelong love of music brought him immense joy and fulfillment. A talented musician, he played multiple brass instruments, keyboards, and sang with great passion and energy. Before his illness, he was an active member of choral groups in Washington, DC, and the Alexandria Choral Society in Alexandria, VA. These experiences were especially meaningful to him, as he cherished not only the music but also the sense of community and camaraderie they provided. Ted's lifelong love of music brought him immense joy and fulfillment. Ted was also deeply committed to political activism and advocacy during the Vietnam War era and the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in the late 1960s and 1970s. He believed passionately in justice and equality, using his voice and actions to support causes that shaped his generation. Ted's love of writing and speaking endured throughout his life, as he sought to connect, inspire, and uplift those around him through his words. He is lovingly remembered by his sons, Benjamin R. Johnson (Sisc) and David T. Johnson (Samantha); his grandchildren, Emelie Douglas (Scott), Kristina Roy (Matthew), SPC Tyler Johnson (U.S. Army), and Nicholas Johnson; and his great-grandchildren, Amelia Grace, Ella Brooke, and Winsley Mara. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Baldwin Johnson Fitzpatrick (William) and Ann Titus Johnson Palches (Peter); his nieces and nephew, Amy Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Kathleen Suzanne Fitzpatrick (Jarel), Patricia Fitzpatrick Sweeny (Matthew), and Jakob Palches; their children, Riley Nicole and Maya Lee; and the mother of his sons and first wife, Karen Kuss Johnson. Ted is also lovingly remembered by his life partner, Jane "Maggie" Lawson, with whom he shared a deep bond and many cherished adventures. Together, they found joy in their mutual love of dogs, exploring new places, RVing, and camping-creating a lifetime of memories filled with companionship, laughter, and a shared appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Dr. Johnson was a devoted congregation developer, serving for over 30 years as an Episcopal priest. Specializing in interim ministry, he guided congregations through times of transition with wisdom, compassion, and steadfast leadership. As a trusted consultant and coach, he strengthened both leaders and communities within the Episcopal Church. Ted earned his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry degree in Congregational Development from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. He also studied the Bible at Union Theological Seminary, attended The New School for Social Research, and Franklin & Marshall College. A graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Pottsville, PA, Ted was a lifelong learner who valued education and personal growth. His legacy of faith, leadership, advocacy, music, and love will live on in all who knew him. The family will honor Ted's life with a service and celebration of his life at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, Virginia, in late spring of 2025. Shrine Mont held a special place in Ted's heart, serving as a sanctuary of peace, reflection, and cherished memories shared with those he loved. It is only fitting to gather in this meaningful place to celebrate the enduring impact of his life. The family warmly invites all who knew and loved Ted to join them in this tribute to his remarkable legacy. A Memorial Service will be on June 13, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Shrine Mont Memorial Gardens 217 Shrine Mont Circle, Orkney Springs, Virginia. The Very Reverend Kathleen Murray will officiate. For room reservations, please contact Shrine Mont directly, 540-856-2141. Cottages and rooms are available for out-of-town guests or those wishing to stay overnight. Lunch will be served immediately following the service. Please RSVP by June 1, 2025, including dietary restrictions and the number of guests in your party. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Shrine Mont or The Washington National Cathedral.

Theodore William Johnson

June 13, 1944 - December 16, 2024