And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

On November 2, 2020 William Lee Johnson calmly & peacefully closed his eyes and began his eternal rest as his work on this earth was finished and God's plans were finalized.

William , also known as "Duk e," was born to the late Arlethia Hilda Hankins on October 11, 1946 and was blessed to have the late Willie Benjamin Hankins Sr. as an affectionate stepfather. He was from Norfolk, V A attending Booker T. Washington High School & received his diploma from Ashworth High School.  Duke's life journey took him to NYC & NJ where he lived until returning home at 30yrs old. He then received his certificate as a geriatric nursing ass t working in the medical field & later earned his certificate in maintenance.  He truly enjoyed both his professions but absolutely thrived on talking & working with students & co-workers every day.  He received the Man of the Year award 1997, a great honor from his peers during his many years working at Old Dominion University Webb Center. He retired after 25yrs of service.

Duke was raised to love the Lord & shared his lifelong testimony to "everyone" who would listen , strengthening his personal & intimate relationship with God.  Through his testimony, he was called to service by God to teach and minister to others ; being ordained through Trinity Baptist Church on December 17, 1989 and licensed to minister on December 18, 1989. During his many years of ministering, Duke would travel as an evangelist & provide thousands of b ible s tud y sessions anywhere he was needed. He always had a strong thirst for knowledge and tried to ensure you understood the word thoroughly, welcoming new study sessions to continue spread ing the word of God.

Duke was loving with an infectious sense of humor and was never shy about speaking his mind [gave his opinion on everything). Basically, he had "no filter" but we loved that honesty about him; you never had to question if he was genuine.  His unique charisma and charm made him loved by so many and he will truly be missed. Duke always wanted to give back to the youth of his community. He started teen groups to promote unity and positivity like FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST and T.A.C.A.D [Teenagers Against Crime And Drugs]. He coached his daughters' softball team to share in his love of baseball. He played ball in his younger years and was also known as "Bonus Baby" !

He was predeceased by his parents , his Uncle William Raymond Johnson, brother Wilbur Hankins & grandson Montreal Collins.

Duke leaves to cherish in his memory his wife, Deborah Ann Johnson, three daughters , Charine Rogan-Fires , Arleatha Copeland-Bumbrey , Detra Rogan ; five grandchildren Azariah, Jael, Jade, Jarice, Maurice, three sisters and f ive brothers Arleatha White , Theresa Johnson , Dorothy M. Tyler , Willie B. Hankins Jr., Charlie Hankins, Eugene Hankins, Ronnie Hankins, Henry Hankins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Olive Grove Baptist Church, 1034 Albert Ave, Norfolk. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 4pm until 5 pm Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, 500 Liberty Street, Chesapeake.