Former Haywood City mayor Roosevelt Johnson dead at 81

HAYWOODCITY, Mo. — The Rev. Roosevelt "Deddy" Johnson, former mayor of Haywood City and longtime area minister, died Monday at his home following an extended battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 81.

Johnson was a minister, civic leader, member of NAACP and the Masons, a farm laborer for J. Handy Moore Farms for more than 30 years, as well as a truck driver.¿

Johnson served as mayor of Haywood City from 1975 to 1992. During his tenure, he was instrumental in getting the community officially named. He also helped get grants that were used to improve and rebuild housing as well as getting the streets paved and a water system.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Johnson was a liaison for the community working with the local school district. According to his family, he worked diligently and the school finally allowed black students to be cheerleaders.

He also convinced the school to set up a bus system that included them picking up and dropping off children who were involved in extracurricular activities.

He pastored New Hope MB Church in Pinhook, Mo., for more than 20 years, as well as Ollie Grove MB Church in Wyatt, Mo. In the late 1990s, a new church was built in Wyatt through his effort and the effort of many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Johnson; four sons; and six daughters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Williams Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Greers Chapel MB Church in Sikeston. Burial will be in Sunset of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston, Mo.