Oben Brown Johnson, Sr.

January 23, 1930 – October 20, 2026

In celebration of a life rooted in faith and family, we announce the transition of our beloved Oben Brown Johnson, Sr. into eternal rest on October 20, 2026. He was born on January 23, 1930, in Jacksonville, Florida and completed his earthly journey at the age of 96, surrounded by the love of his family.

Oben was a graduate of Stanton College Preparatory High School, attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Transportation Corps and met the love of his life, Geneva L. Johnson. He went on to earn a B.S. degree in Business Administration, a Master of Arts degree in Guidance & Counseling from Hampton University, and the Ed.S from the College of William & Mary. Oben served honorably in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years with increasing levels of responsibility, as a commander, instructor, staff officer, and inspector general, with tours around the world including two tours in Vietnam. He was well-decorated during his years of service, earning the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal, and he advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1972. Following Army retirement, he served as the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at Ft. Eustis, and in 1978 he was selected as the Director of EEO at TRADOC. In 1991, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame, and he received the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award upon his retirement in 1994.

The product of a Christian home, he accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Jacksonville, and he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Hampton, where he sang in the A.H. Holder Men's Choir. He was a beloved brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Lambda Chapter, where he served as Vice-President, Secretary, and Chair of various committees and was an active member for more than 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 34 years, Geneva Lavergne Johnson. To this Union, six children were born. As a consummate family man and proud father, he could often be heard beaming about the various accomplishments of all six of his children. He is survived by his children, Glynova J. Amy (Fred) of Chesterfield, VA, Casandra J. Sullivan (Levin Sr.) of Chester, VA, Oben B. Johnson, Jr. of Richmond, VA, Eric S. Johnson (William) of Washington, DC, Treva J. Latif of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Melba J. Dance (Jonathan, Sr.) of Canton, MA; nine grandchildren, Levin Jr., Megan, Oben III, Arlon, Fred Jr., IBN Khalil, Kellan, Breanna, and Jonathan Jr.; and seven great-grandchildren. We will carry with us his love, his faith, and the many wonderful memories that made him so extraordinary. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory brother-in-law Kenneth Lavergne (Judy), and several nieces, nephews, and additional loved ones.

Viewing with begin at 3p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, followed by the memorial service by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. from 5-6p.m. Mr. Johnson will lie in state from 9a.m. until the hour of the Funeral service to be held 11a.m., Friday, October 30, 2026 at First Baptist Church, Hampton. Interment will be held at Hampton National Cemetery (H.U. Section), Hampton, Virginia. 

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.