DALE MAURICE JOHNSON, 71, departed this life to eternal reward on Friday, August 01, 2025. Public Viewing will be Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Thomas G. Smith Funeral Home, 14601 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110. Funeral Service held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, Wake 10:00 AM, Service 10:30 AM at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, 14516 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 4411. Interment will follow Service at Cleveland Memorial Gardens, 4324 Green Road, Highland Hills, Ohio 44128.

Dale Maurice Johnson was born on September 1, 1953, in Welch, West Virginia, to James and Virginia Johnson. He was the fourth of their children. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Ebenezer Baptist Church in Algoma, West Virginia.

Dale attended Northfork High School in West Virginia and graduated in 1971. He went on to attend Bluefield State University, where he earned two Associate of Science degrees in Engineering. Later, he received his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University, graduating with honors. He then began a long and distinguished career with the United States Department of Defense, where he served for more than 35 years before retiring in 2018.

While attending Bluefield State University, Dale met the love of his life, Sherry Sanders. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1976, and that same year, the Reverend Edward Small united them in Holy Matrimony at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church. From this union, they were blessed with two sons: Brandon Dale Johnson and Dalan Maurice Johnson.

Throughout his life, Dale enjoyed bowling, fishing, and landscaping. He loved attending family reunions and listening to music, especially the Blues and Spirituals. He was also a certified C.B. radio operator, which allowed him to connect with people all over the world.

In retirement, Dale remained active in service. He was the National Treasurer of the Bluefield State University Alumni Association and was previously Chairman of the Trustee Board of Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, where he had been a devoted member since 1976. In addition to his leadership roles, he faithfully served as a church usher for 54 years.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Colleen (George); and his brother, Orlando.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 49 years, Sherry; his sons, Brandon (Nneka) and DaLan (Andrea); brothers, James (Elena) and Dexter; sisters-in-law, Beverly (Anthony) Felder and Ana Johnson; grandchildren, Landon, Bria, Lincoln, and Maia; godchildren, Marvin, LaKiesha, Ramon, Shelle, Tatianna, Eugene, Cyntia, Jaelisa, Chris, T.J., Amari, and Aaliyah; a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends, including Sylvia Johnson-Lee, Lloyd and Doris Garrett, and Al Wells. He also shared an extra special bond with Morgan, M.J., and Thelma.

Go to Starlight Missionary Baptist Church website to view Live Streaming .