Minister Joey Johnson, affectionately known as "Mush", was born on January 16, 1957, to Gentle Johnson and the late Addie Ruth Browning Briggs, in Spartanburg, SC. He was educated in Spartanburg County schools and was a 1976 graduate of Woodruff High School. Joey was a three-year football letterman, played in two state championships, in Woodruff Hall of Fame, and also was chief headhunter.

Joey was a minister of the gospel and very talkative. He was of the Baptist faith.

Left to cherish his fond and loving memories are his father, Gentle "Gent" (Linda) Johnson of Greer, SC; son, Roderick Johnson of Concord, NC; sister, Tina Johnson of Buffalo, NY; brothers, Gentle "George"(Sharon) Johnson, Jr., of Spartanburg, SC; Hank Lamont (Georgette) Johnson  of Greenville, SC, Rico (Latonya) Littlejohn of Spartanburg, SC, Carlos (Felecia) Littlejohn of Greer, SC, and Maurice (Shaniqua) Littlejohn of Fort Mill, SC; aunts, Johnnie Mae Rogers of Greer, SC, and Betty Jean (Willie) Johnson of Woodruff, SC; uncles, Ernest (Ann) Johnson of Wellford, SC and Charlie (Angie) Johnson of Woodruff, SC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

On the morning of Monday, March 4, 2024, Minister Johnson entered eternal rest. He is now home with is loving Savior and can rest from his labor.