Mr. Bruce Johnson, 64, of Cleveland, Ohio, departed this life on Tuesday, March 2, 2026, at McGregor Nursing Facility.

Bruce was born December 15, 1961, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Eddie Lee Johnson and Minnie Rose Croom. He attended South High School in Youngstown and Lincoln West High School in Cleveland before earning his General Equivalency Diploma in Pennsylvania. Bruce continued his education with determination, receiving his associate degree in Human Services from Cuyahoga Community College, graduating with honors. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University, where he graduated cum laude. He was also a proud and active member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Bruce was an existentialist who found joy in exploring the “molecules of life.” A talented artist, he enjoyed swimming, shooting pool, and cheering on his favorite hometown teams the Cleveland Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers. His courage and down-to-earth spirit even led him to tour for a time with the rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Service to others was a defining part of Bruce’s life. As a teenager, he worked summers on a farm in North Lima, Ohio, alongside his mother, an experience that instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. He later worked at Datco Aluminum in Boardman, Ohio. Bruce went on to serve as a Site Coordinator at George Washington Carver Elementary School in Cleveland, where he supported first-, second-, and third-grade scholars through the Literacy Cooperative’s S.T.E.P. program. He also worked as an Activities Coordinator for the Phyllis Wheatley Association, teaching computer classes to senior citizens. His volunteer service included the American Red Cross, the St. Martin de Porres After-School Program, Catholic Charities, and St. Joseph Home, a transitional housing program supporting men experiencing homelessness. His compassion touched countless lives.

Bruce was reared by three remarkable individuals during his youth: his godmother Maddie Brown, his great-aunt Latisha Fuller, and Mr. Roundtree. He also spent time living with his Aunt Mary and his half-sister Valerie Headen. For the past 17 years, he shared his life with his devoted companion, Jacqueline Clark, who pierced his heart with love and kindness.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Niesha La'Cursa Willingham of Muncie, Indiana, and Johnnie Carter of Youngstown, Ohio; his beloved grandchildren, Trevon and Keyana Willingham of Muncie, whom he loved dearly; and his siblings, Eddie Johnson II (Margaret) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Derrilyn Johnson, Fredrick Johnson, and Lisa Stoutemire, all of Youngstown, Ohio, and Carla and Michael Stoutemire, both of Cleveland, Ohio. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Bruce sends a special acknowledgment to Tyneshia Brown, whom he lovingly reared.

Bruce was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelela Sade Willingham; his parents; his siblings Debbie, Jerry, and Anthony; and the loved ones who helped raise him.

Bruce’s life was marked by service, resilience, and love. His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 4:30 p.m. at the 511 W. Rayen Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44502, under the direction of Gregory-Martin Funeral Home (Steubenville). 

Professional services entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home, proudly serving families in Youngstown and Steubenville, Ohio. For more information, please contact (330) 743-4098.