Reverend Donald W. Johnson, 74, of Evarts entered Heaven's gates on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born on October 31, 1949 in Evarts, he had lived here all of his life. Don enjoyed fishing, spending time with his animals, and helping any other animal that needed it. He also enjoyed collecting Bibles and previously enjoyed riding ATVs. He asked Jesus into his heart at the Closplint Missionary Baptist Church in the early 1980s and began working in the church, later becoming an ordained minister and soon a pastor. Don was a loving and compassionate man who had a true burden for the lost and seized the opportunity to witness to anyone and everyone he came across. Don also pastored Jones Creek Missionary Baptist Church before he was led by God to Brittains Creek Missionary Baptist Church as pastor in June of 1993. He led the church for 31 years preaching, teaching the Men's Sunday School Class, helping sing, and helping to organize a food pantry to help those in the community. He was always ready and willing to help anyone with anything.

Don was greeted at the gates by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his mother, Geraldine Fife Bradley; his step-father, Roy Bradley; his father, William Allen Johnson; his grandparents who played a large part in shaping his life, Jehiza Fife and Florence Prichard Fife; and his dogs that he loved, Buck, Dusty and Andy and one of his birds he had for 24 years, Fuzzier.

Surviving are his wife of 53 Years, Jerry Sue Bullock Johnson, Evarts; cousin, Jean Griffin, Florence, KY; his dogs, Harley, Riley and Cheyenne; his bird, Mr. Fuzz; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, including a special cousin, Shirley Middleton, Baxter; and his church family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1 pm until 8 pm at the Brittains Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 1 pm at the Brittains Creek Missionary Baptist Church with the Reverend Lloyd Ray Burkhart and the Reverend Patrick Eldridge officiating.

Burial will be in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with members of the Brittains Creek Missionary Baptist Church and his nephews serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, a love offering may be made to his wife to assist with living expenses.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Reverend Donald W. Johnson.