Michael Joseph Johnson

Michael Joseph Johnson, 65 of Memphis, died Thursday, April 10th, 2025, at home.
Born April 4,1960, in Nashville, Michael was raised in Memphis and attended Bishop Byrne High School. Following graduation at Christian Brothers College, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and worked as a lawyer for almost four decades in West Tennessee and the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender.
An avid sports fan, Michael relished attending Notre Dame football games and Memphis Grizzlies basketball, where he was a longtime season ticket holder. For years, he hosted poker nights at his downtown condo and loved sharing good meals (and Irish Whiskey) with friends and family. His quick wit, his value of hard work, his playful and competitive spirit, and his fierce loyalty are all characteristics that can be traced throughout his life. His generous, thoughtful, and caring nature will always be cherished and remembered.
Michael was predeceased by his parents Mae Catherine Martin Johnson and Herbert James Johnson of Memphis; his grandparents Loretta and Patrick Martin and Angela and Francis Aloysius Johnson, Sr. all of Chicago, IL; and his four older siblings, James Herbert Johnson (Jo Ann) of Sheffield, AL, Richard Martin Johnson (Debby) of Nashville, Joyce Johnson O'Connor (Bob) of Jackson, and Patrick Francis Johnson of Memphis.
He is survived by his siblings' spouses and adoring nieces and nephew, Laura O'Connor Durfee (John) of Oakland, TN, Mary Kathleen O'Connor of McKinney, TX, Katherine Johnson Griffith (Lee) of Savannah, GA, LeighAnn Johnson Chadwell (Gordon) of Nashville, TN, Heather Ann O'Connor (Lars Bell) of Portugal, Karen Johnson Clapp (Jonathon) of Burlison, TN, Michael Richard Johnson (Ashley) of Nashville, and great nieces and nephews, John Robert and Annmarie Durfee, Awnan, Maevi and Ronan Tyler, Audrey Griffith, Mason Chadwell, Finn, Maran and Cash Clapp, Lillian and Caleb Johnson who will miss him dearly.
Michael also leaves behind many colleagues, neighbors, and beloved friends, including Leslie and Belle Mozingo.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to the medical teams who provided incredible support and exceptional care to Michael over the past several years.
A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date. The family requests that memorials be made to the Shelby County Veterans Court or a charity of the donor's choice.
Events
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