Cleo Otha Johnson, who was lovingly known as "Pop", "6'9", or "Slim", entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of his home in Chester, Virginia. He was born on March 13, 1949, the second eldest son of the late Theoda Johnson, Sr. and Lula Bell Holt Johnson, and was lovingly raised by his maternal grandmother, Emily Holt. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Yolanda Williams; his siblings, Barbara Taylor, Theodore Johnson, Jr., June Johnson (Civil Rights Activist), Dr. Geraldine Ashford, Vera Johnson, Leonard "Kibby" Johnson and Benton Johnson.

Cleo graduated from Threadgill High School and went on to attend Jackson State University, where he played basketball. After completing two years of college, he married and entered the United States Military, proudly serving for twenty-two years. Following his military retirement, he continued his education and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Individualized Studies from Virginia State University on May 21, 2000. He later worked as a special education teacher for a short time before deciding to fully retire from the workforce.

Cleo lived a life defined by love, service, and unwavering devotion to the people around him. He was a cherished husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather, and a joyful great‑grandfather who found his greatest happiness in the company of his family. His love for them was constant, steady, and deeply felt, always surrounded by his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart. Conversations with him almost always included how proud he was of them and the joy they brought into his life.

Golf was one of his favorite pastimes, a place where he found relaxation, camaraderie, and joy. The fairway was his happy place, and he treasured the friendships and memories made on the course. He quickly mastered the sport and generously shared his talents with others, helping students earn scholarships and teaching friends the game he loved so deeply.

A dedicated member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia, Cleo faithfully served on the Security Team, demonstrating the same humility, commitment, and servant's heart that shaped every part of his life. His legacy is one of love, faith, and service. His presence enriched the lives of all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

Cleo leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife of fifty-one years and loving caregiver, Mattie Ruth Williams Johnson, whose care and love sustained him. He is survived by his sons, Cesar Peters (Sherry) and Michon Peters; and his daughters, Terri Valdez (Mike), Stephanie Ladner (Kelvin), and Chavala Hendricks (Shaun).

A proud grandfather, he also leaves behind the grandchildren he lovingly raised: Michon Williams (fiancée Russiann Nakisha Diaz), Darnell Williams, Catherine Williams, and Crystal Ortiz (Raymond).

He is also remembered by a host of grandchildren: Teyon Peters, Trey Peters (fiancée Abby Putty), Makayla Valdez (fiancée Michael Branch), Aaliyah Valdez, Michon Peters, Jr., Amari Peters, Kelvin Ladner, Jr. and Jayden Ladner.

His great grandchildren include Aidan Peters, Michael Peters, Nathan Williams, Caesar Williams, Shai Williams, Xiya Peters, Jay Williams, Julius Williams, Olivia Williams, Kayson Alexander, Aiden Shephard, Christina Ortiz, Kyla Ortiz, Kalani Ortiz, and Caiden Ortiz.

Cleo is also remembered by his siblings: Lula J. Walton (Roosevelt Walton I), Dorothy Weddington, Jeanette Brown, and Dewey Johnson; sister‑in‑law Deloris Brown; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pop, you loved us with your whole heart, and though it hurts to let you go, we are grateful you can finally rest.  We will carry your love with us always.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, April 13, 2026, at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.

A wake will be held from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., Friday, April 10, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5859927?fl=so&fe=fs