Leonard W. Johnson, 79, a former President of the FAMU National Alumni Association, died of prostate cancer Saturday at Presbyterian Medical Center.The Orlando, Fla. native, earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1950 from FAMC. The next year he married Annie Gibson. He was head of the science departments in Osceola County, Fla., public schools until moving to West Philadelphia in 1960.
After graduating in 1964 from what is now the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Johnson bought property at 51st and Spruce and opened the medical center the next year. For the rest of his life, Dr. Johnson practiced medicine out of the center and lived in the house next door. He also had privileges to practice at several hospitals.
In 1980 at his clinic, Dr. Johnson opened the Spruce Street Adolescent Counseling and Education Center, which provides substance-abuse, AIDS and HIV and health counseling. The centers will remain open.
Dr. Johnson is survived by his wife Ann, his son Ronald and a granddaughter.
Funeral services are planed for this Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bright Hope Baptist Church, 12th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, with a viewing at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Orlando.
Memorial donations may be made to the Leonard Johnson D.O. Scholarship, Spruce Adolescent Counseling and Education Center, Box 24103, Philadelphia 19139.
I remember Dr. Johnson's tenure as NAA president. He moved the association forward and did some really good things for the organization. In keeping with the tradition of hiring strong administrators, he set an example for future NAA presidents to follow.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences go out to his family.
ReplyDeleteDr. Johnson was a good man who loved FAMU. May he rest in peace!
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