Odell Johnson Jr.

Deacon Odell Johnson, Jr. peacefully departed this life on March 19, 2026, after a brief illness.
Odell Johnson, Jr., was born in Sudan, Texas, on October 6, 1962, to Jiletha and Odell Johnson, Sr. At early age, he accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized.

He attended both elementary and high school in Sudan, where he was actively involved in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Throughout his school years, Odell participated in track, basketball, and football, and played percussion in the band. His commitment led him to letter all four years in football as a defensive end and tight end, and three years in basketball as a post player. These achievements culminated in All State recognition in both sports.

After graduating from Sudan High School in 1981 in the top quarter of his class, Odell briefly attended McMurry College. Soon after, he transferred to South Plains Junior College to be closer to his ailing mother. There, he earned an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement Technology and Criminal Justice in 1984. The following year, he began at the San Antonio Police Academy, launching a distinguished law enforcement career. Over nearly 34 years of service, he worked in Patrol, Downtown Foot and Bicycle Units, Crime Scene Investigations, Youth Services, and the Sex Crimes and Family Violence Unit. Known for his compassion and dedication, he retired in 2019 after faithfully serving the citizens of San Antonio.

Deacon Johnson possessed all the qualities of a godly man. He indeed was a man of God. A scholar of God’s Word. His talk and walk aligned with the will of their household. He demonstrated love in word and deed (action) 1 John 3:18. He completed his assignments, and he has departed this life, going from his labor and to his rest. In Revelations 21:4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

More about Deacon Johnson’s charities, in his honor please donate or volunteer your services to an organization of your choice.

SAPD Family Assistance Unit—The Family Assistance Crisis Team (FACT) is a program associated with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) that offers crisis intervention services to victims of family violence.

Dr. Pamela C. Smith Endowed Doctoral Fellowship—at UTSA School of Business. This fellowship aims to support doctoral students in the College of Business (ACOB).

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry.

The Carey Latimore IV Foundation—Our mission is to provide equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities and high touch support so that students from all backgrounds can step confidently into their future.

In 1986, Odell married Brenda Hobbs. Their marriage resulted in the birth of two beautiful daughters, Heather and Jo Anna. After thirteen years together, Odell and Brenda decided to part ways and divorced.

In 2005, Odell entered into a second marriage with Pamela Smith. This union did not produce any children.
A longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1986, Odell served as Chairman of the Trustee Committee and was ordained as a Deacon in 2022. He is the proud father of two daughters and grandfather of four grandchildren.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and working on his farm.

Odell lived a good life, leaving a legacy of giving back to numerous charities, including working with SAPD Family Assistance Unit, mentoring youth at Calvary Baptist Church, the Dr. Pamela Smith Johnson Scholarship at UTSA School of Business, the LINKS, Inc. Scholarship, The Carey Latimore IV Foundation and a plethora of other charitable organizations.

On March 19, 2026, Odell joined those who preceded him in death: his loving wife, Pamela Smith; his parents, Jiletha and Odell Johnson, Sr.; and his sisters, Ida Ruth Jones and Clara Johnson.

Cherished and Devoted to Family & Friends
Brother Odell, lovingly remembered, by his daughters Heather Johnson, of San Antonio; JoAnna Johnson (Breyana), stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; his sister Dorothy Sanders; and Oletha Garrett. His granddaughters, Aaleyah Bryd, Kimaya Byrd, Zoe Gomez, his grandson Kayden Bryd, Greyson Johnson, and a host of relatives and friends.