LELAND — Preston P. Johnson, age 90, affectionately known as “Johnson,” of Leland, NC, passed away on September 16, 2026, at The Village of Woodward Estates in Bowie, MD surrounded by family.
Johnson was born on August 1, 1936, in Harlem, NY. He was the only child of the late Emma Twitty “Dottie” and Purcell Laws Nickens. He was a long-time member of Mt. Calvary AME Church, where he sang with the Men’s Choir and was an esteemed member of the Prince Hall Masonic Order.
His career included work at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, where he served in Central Supply and the Kidney Unit, helping build kidney machines. In Leland, Johnson was an early board member of the Leland Sanitary District, supporting efforts to expand public water access and improve water quality.
Johnson served as a deputy sheriff and worked for the International Longshoremen’s Association at the waterfront. He later provided janitorial services at Cape Fear Community College, while pursuing his own janitorial franchise. He valued faith, education, self sufficiency, and preparing the next generation to stand on its own.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Williams Johnson and his parents.
Johnson is survived by his children, Derek Johnson of Jamaica, NY, Janice L. Daniels (Steve) of Hope Mills, NC and Camilla Johnson Perry (Dallas L.) of Bowie, MD, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and a host of extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider making a donation here.
