Acie Leon Johnson

Mr. ACIE L. JOHNSON of Little Rock, passed on Aug. 2, 2011. He was born in Phillips County, Ark. His elementary and secondary education was obtained through the Marvell Public Schools and J.C. Corbin High School, Pine Bluff, Ark. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N, now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). His Master of Arts degree in educational administration is from Michigan State University, Lansing, Mich. Acie Johnson completed further study above his master's degree at Michigan State University, Columbia University in New York, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Acie Johnson was an educator and public school administrator, serving a number of schools and communities in Arkansas. He began his career as a teacher at Gothrell High School in England, Ark. and later at Wonder High School in West Memphis, Ark. His career as a school administrator began in 1954 as the principal at W.O. Field High School in Gould (Lincoln County); he served from 1954-1960. He was the principal of Chicot County High School in Dermott, Ark. from 1960-1966. In Marianna, Ark., he was the principal of Anna P. Strong High School from 1966-1971 and the first black assistant superintendent of the Lee County School District, 1971-1972. In 1972, the Johnsons moved to Little Rock, Ark. and Mr. Johnson began his tenure as assistant principal at Dunbar Junior High School (now Dunbar Junior High International Studies/ Gifted and Talented Magnet School). He served at Dunbar from 1972 to his retirement in 1991. Acie Johnson leaves a legacy of excellence in education and dedication to his students and the communities in which he served. Mr. Johnson has been active in many professional and community organizations. Acie Johnson was a deacon and served in various capacities at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Little Rock. He was an exemplary leader as the president of the Arkansas Black School Administrators' Association and the Little Rock Retired Educators Association. He was an active member of the AM&N/UAPB Letter "A" Club and the National Alumni Association. He had been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for 62 years, State President of Alpha Chapters, president of several chapters in Arkansas and most recently a member of Pi Lambda Chapter in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has received numerous honors and awards for his outstanding educational achievements, leadership, and community service. Those honors include The A.L. Johnson Gymnasium, Gould, Ark. He was also highlighted in several books, which include, Educating The Masses, C. Calvin Smith, Editor; A Pictorial Evolution of Black Public School Administrators in Arkansas During the 20th and 21st Centuries; and Gould and Its Schools: A Memoir of Race and Education in the Delta, Jan Kearney-King, Author. Acie Johnson was a devoted husband and father and leaves a loving wife, Frances Cole Johnson; a daughter, Sharron Crowder (Kenneth), nephew-son, Alvin Phillips (Tia); niece-daughter, Barbara Cole; a daughter, Linda Smith; grandson, Kenneth Crowder II; niece Carolyn Brown (Roger); brother-in law, Howard Newsome; a host of nieces and nephews; a cousin, Willie Banks (Juanita) and extended family members, including Alvin and Brenda Futrell. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, 10 a.m., at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Daisy L. Bates Drive & Ringo Streets, Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow with honors at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 Maryland Ave., North Little Rock, Ark. Visitation will be on Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, 6-7 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, 8:45-9:45 a.m., all services at the church. Arrangements by Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., Little Rock. (501) 372-1305. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be sent to: University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Foundation Fund 1200 North Vineyard Drive Mail Slot 4981 Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601 For checks, please put for the Acie L. Johnson Scholarship in the memo line Online contributions to the Acie Johnson scholarship fund may be sent to www.uapb.edu, click on UAPB pledge drive button and follow instructions.