"For we are not our own masters when we live or when we die. While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go on to be with the Lord. So in life and in death , we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose, so that He might be the Lord of those who are alive and those who have died." romans 14:8-9 NLT And so once again the fulfillment of God's Word has come to pass. After battling many months against sickness and suffering, Moscoe Johnson, Sr., son of the late Jerry and Ophelia Byrd Johnson quietly passed from an earthly exitence into the glorious and magnificent presence of God our Father, His Son Jesus Christ and All the Heavenly Host of witnesses on the morning of Saturday October 4, 2008. Moscoe, affectionately known as "Curly" was born in Darlington County, south Carolina. He was the 6th of 8 brothers and sisters. Moscoe was wed in holy matrimony to Emma Robinson on July 6, 1945 and remained married for a total of 63 years. That's a true blessing in itself. Their union produced 8 children. William and Ruth preceded him in death in 1955 and 2004. In 1952 Moscoe and Emma left South Carolina for New York and ultimately made their home in Baltimore. In 1985 Moscoe retired from Bethlehem Steel Company after more than 30 years of employment. Moscoe was a real man's man, a family man. He was a simple and kind man. He either liked you or he didn't. You always knew where you stood with him. He loved his wife and children and often bragged about them and their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. If you ever stopped by his home, he would make you come in and sample some of his wife's good ole home cooking. Later on into retirement, Moscoe joined the Central Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Montaque Brqackett and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His desire was to be the best worker for Christ that he could be. He was not a man without mistakes but who is? Moscoe served as a past president of the Usher Board. He was known for his leadership and great enthusiastic marching. It just infected and ignited everyone. He also served as a member of the Trustee Board. Moscoe loved to sing. so he sang with the Male Chorus. The Vocal Chorus, and Mass Chior. One of his favorite Gospel songs was Milky White Way. If you gave him a mike, he'd belt it out to everyone who would listen. He was also a member of the Prime Age Club. Moscoe loved the Central baptist church family and worked tirelessly for the success of the church. He loved to drive his car. He'd take you anywhere if you just asked. He loved to dance as well. The highlight of dancing with him would be a sudden drop to the floor resulting in a James Brown split. That was truly a sight for sore eyes. Moscoe just enjoyed life and he wanted you to enjoy it as well. He loved to sit on the front of his Fayette Street home under the tree be it winter, fall, summer or spring. He was one of the most dapper and fashionable dresser around. boy, could he ever wear a hot. He was the mayor of the 2000 block Fayette Street where nothing ever escaped his attention. He was respected by young and old alike. If you ever met him, got to know him, you would never ever forget him. During the last few weeks of his life, Moscoe was preparing to meet the Lord. He started preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ like a man possessed. If you entered into his presence, he'd preach Jesus with authority and passion. He'd preach the Father, the son and the Holy Ghost. That was last earthly mission, to tell the "Good News." On Saturday October 4th he was ready to meet his Savior face to face. Moscoe leaves to cherish his memory; Emma his wife of 63 years, 1 brother, Jim; 7 children, Moscoe Jr., Jay Harvey, Sr., Carolyn, Emma, Linda, Geraldine and Tammi; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; one adopted daughter, Diane Speed; 1 sister-in-law Louise Cooper; 3 sons-in-law; Jerome, Herbert, Richard and Michael; 1 daughter-in-law, Yvonne Johnson, Brenda D. Austin 1 special cousin, Margaret depree. Trust Brown, William Cager, Brother & Mrs. Price were his constant friends until the end. He is also survived by a host of other relatives, family and friends. Moscoe Johnson, Sr. was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, grandfather and friend. Moscoe Johnson, Sr. was a Great Man.