Obituary of Michael Anthony Johnson

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Michael Anthony Johnson on September 9, 1963 in Denver, Colorado when he was born to Robert Lee DeGrate and Clara LaDale DeGrate. The sixth of seven children, Michael had three brothers, Gregory, Carl and Fredric, three sisters, Toni, Venita and Lumeatra and a nephew, Eric, who was like another brother. As a child, he was always playing football, laughing, joking and was a Mama's boy in a good way. A memory of his childhood was playing football from the Pee-Wee League through High School. They affectionally called him Michael with "The Hands" because he was able to catch any football thrown to him no matter how high or low. Educated in the public school system, Michael graduated from East High School in Denver. Though he never married, Michael had one son, Jarvis who was born on January 31, 1983 and died on June 6, 1983. A man of faith, he was a member of Union Baptist Church for 20 years. He participated in the Youth Movement under the leadership of Sister Ida Foreman. He was employed with Manheim San Diego Automotive in Oceanside, California in the position of a driver for the past two years. He had previously been employed in the position of Head Chef at Harbor Fish Cafe in Carlsbad, CA for 20 years. He was known for excellence and being great to work with. In his free time he enjoyed cooking for others, listening to old school music, watching football, watching "Everybody Loves Raymond" and movies. His best friends, William "Dubby" Vaden, Dwayne Jackson, Clint Walker, Lionel Brown, Aaron Hartfield, James "Oats" Williams and Vincent Nualls will always remember him for talking loud and being an avid diehard Denver Bronco fan. Michael was such a giving person. He would borrow money from someone to help someone else out. His sister Nita would get on him all the time for giving money away, but he continued to do it. Michael had a big giving heart, and when he gave to others, he did it cheerfully with a big smile. Michael was always for the underdog. His heart was as big as his smile. He always defended his siblings honor, always! Whenever his family went to Oceanside to visit Michael it meant the world to him. He opened up his home and heart to them. He always had something big planned for his great niece Jane to make sure she wouldn't be bored. To know Michael was to love him and he will be deeply missed. The sun set on the life of Mr. Michael Anthony Johnson on December 21, 2016. He is preceded in death by his son; parents; sister, Lumeatra DeGrate and nephew Aubrey Johnson. Those left to cherish his memory include his brothers, Rev. Dr. Gregory D. Johnson of Aurora, CO, Carl Johnson of Denver, CO, Fred (Vivian) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ, Paul DeGrate of Ft. Worth, TX and James Kennedy of Denver, CO; sisters, Toni Johnson of Denver, CO and Venita (Jimmie) Myres of Aurora, CO and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends."We LOVE you Michael! Always have and always will! As much as we miss you, we all are at peace because we KNOW you are in a better place!"