Cornell Matthew Johnson, son of the late Matthew C. Johnson and Willie Mae Wells McKnight was born October 17, 1947, in Sumter, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Thursday, September 28, 2023 while at Piedmont Subacute Care in Piedmont, SC.

Cornell graduated from Lincoln High School in Sumter, SC. After graduating high school, he attended Denmark Technical College where he earned an Associate of Science HVAC degree. He later served in the United States Navy and departed service with Honorable Discharge. Cornell attended the beloved HBCU South Carolina State University, then known as South Carolina State College, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Industrial Education.

Cornell was married to Charlena Johnson, and to this union two children were born, Cornell Johnson Junior and Charnel Johnson.

Cornell later married his present wife, Willa D. Johnson and to this union he inherited three stepchildren, Timothy Britt, Lynn Ross, and Hasan Ross-EL.

Most notably, he is preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Stukes-Mose, James W. Stukes (who raised him) and stepfather Dr. Ashriel I. Mose.

He was a member of Williams Chapel AME Church. His work life involved working at several Salvation Army locations, supervisor at Georgetown Paper Mill, manager at Edwards Department Store and manager at Hardee's in Orangeburg. One of his favorite pastimes after retirement was buying and selling at the flea market.

Cornell is survived by: his loving and dedicated wife Willia D. Johnson; his children Cornell Johnson, Jr, Charnell Johnson, stepchildren Timothy Britt (Crystal), Lynn Ross and Hasan Ross-EL (Antricia); brothers Dr. James B. Stukes (Gayle) and Rodney D. Stukes; sisters Earlene W. McKnight and Jamela Stukes; grandchildren Imani Johnson, Dominic, Ashlee, Brandon, Avery Britt, Kiera, Kyra, Kaiden, Kailee Ross-El, and Lynisha Ross-Perry; great grandchildren Kysier Reese and Ava Guerrero; aunt Julia Wells; nephews Johnathan Dorch and James H.T. Stukes (aka Jimmy); niece Johnetta Howard (Marcus); brother in law Robert L. Britt (Louvern), John Clay Britt (Val), Rogers Britt (Ruth); sister in law Deloris Addison (Joseph), Mildred Stroman (Roger); a host of many other loving relatives and caring friends.