Published in the June 23, 2017 edition.
MEDFORD — Honorable Lee G. Johnson of Medford died peacefully at his home on June 20 after a long and courageous battle with stomach cancer.
Judge Johnson brought joy, hope and love to all who were fortunate to cross paths with him.
Judge Johnson was born on June 30, 1949, was raised in Everett and served the public good for his entire life. He was appointed to the District Court in September 2001 by then Acting Governor Jane Swift and was appointed First Justice of the Malden District Court in 2002, where he served with distinction until he retired in 2016.
He was the first African American to serve in that position at the court. His tenure as First Justice was the longest duration in the history of the Malden District Court. For over 10 years, Judge Johnson was instrumental in the successful implementation of the drug court session that empowered many defendants to lead productive, drug free lives. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Johnson served as the Register of the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court, Commissioner of the State Civil Service Commission and was attorney at law. His career started as a public school teacher in Everett and as a Probation Officer in the Middlesex Superior Court.
Judge Johnson is a graduate of Everett High School, where he was also a star athlete, and he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law.
Judge Johnson is survived by this brother George “Skip” Johnson and his wife Joyce Johnson; his godchild Lindsey Kennett, Bill Stallworth, Sharon Wilson and numerous relatives from the Johnson, Stallworth and Webb families. Judge Johnson’s legacy also includes his friends, colleagues, and staff at the Malden District Court, District Court Judges across the state, and many people who appeared before him in court and he helped during his career.
Calling hours will be held at the Malden District Court, 89 Summer St., Malden on Sunday, June 25, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Please note that people entering the court house may be subject to a security screening at the door.)
Funeral services will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2 Elm St., Malden at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 26.
For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.
