In Memoriam

Bishop McKinley B. Johnson, Sr., born on June 14, 1937, in Albany, NY, to the late Supt. John "Jack" Johnson and Missionary Dorothy Johnson, grew up immersed in the faith. His parents, who founded St. Johns COGIC, nurtured his early spiritual formation. As a child, Bishop Johnson was actively involved in religious activities at the 2nd Church of God in Christ in Albany, NY, under the leadership of Elder C.H. Parsons, Sr. He also participated in youth community organizations. At 14, he had a powerful spiritual encounter with God, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to ministry.

In 1957, at a Youth Crusade at Wilbourne Temple COGIC, Bishop Johnson experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost on May 10, 1957. That same year, he married his childhood sweetheart, First Lady Florine D. "Sue" Johnson, who would be by his side for over 66 years in both marriage and ministry.

Lady Sue, born in Halifax, VA to the late Letcher and Sally Guthrie, accepted Christ as her Savior in 1957 and committed herself to a life of service alongside her husband. As a devout member of St. Johns COGIC for more than 65 years, Lady Sue made significant contributions to the ministry. She was a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College with an associate's degree in early childhood education and also attended SUNY Albany, majoring in Communication, Rhetoric, and African American Studies. She earned a degree in Women's Studies from the NY Western 1st Jurisdictional Institute of Christian Education and served as a leader in various women's ministries for over 30 years.

Bishop Johnson's leadership in the church began in his youth, where he organized a Gospel choir and became active in various roles, including Youth Leader and Sunday School Superintendent at St. Johns COGIC. His impact grew as he became the Youth Minister of Music for the Upper Hudson District and coordinated youth outreach programs, including the "Youth Circle," "Commandos for Christ," and "Street Marches for Christ." He also served as a counselor for Young Life and was involved in radio broadcasts for the church. Alongside his wife, they traveled the country conducting marriage and family seminars, deeply investing in the lives of countless couples and families.

In 1971, Bishop Johnson was appointed Jurisdictional President of the Youth Activities Department for Western NY Churches of God in Christ. In 1972, he founded the "Youth Explosion," an annual youth conference that became one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast, bringing together thousands of youth from across the nation. He served as the Northeast Regional Director of the National Youth Department for COGIC in 1998 and was appointed Senior Advisor to the COGIC National Youth President in 2009.

In 2000, Bishop Johnson became Senior Pastor of St. Johns COGIC, which eventually grew into Greater St. Johns. He founded the St. Johns Community Development Corporation to serve the community with free lunches, after-school programs, mentoring, and a homeless prevention initiative.

Lady Sue was an integral partner in these efforts. For over 30 years, she led women's ministries at Greater St. Johns and in the State COGIC jurisdiction. She also taught the "From This Day Forward" seminar at the Youth Explosion, providing insight and guidance to many women and young adults on marriage and relationships.

Together, they built a legacy of faith, service, and love. Their six children — who are all saved and active in ministry — grew up witnessing the power of God's love in their home. Three of their sons are ordained Elders in the COGIC.

In 2004, Bishop Johnson was appointed District Superintendent of the Tech Valley District in Albany, NY. In April 2025, he was elevated to the office of Bishop of the New York Capital Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, marking a significant milestone in his decades of faithful service to the Lord.

In May of 2024, Lady Sue transitioned to be with the Lord. Her passing left a profound impact on her family, the Greater St. Johns congregation, and the many lives she touched through her years of service. She will forever be remembered for her love, dedication, and commitment to God and family.

Bishop Johnson faithfully served and led Greater St. Johns for many years with unwavering dedication, compassion, and a heart for God's people. Following the passing of his beloved wife, Lady Sue, he continued to carry forward the ministry and legacy they built together. On July 9, 2026, Bishop Johnson transitioned to be with the Lord, leaving behind a lasting legacy of faith, leadership, service, and love. His impact on the Greater St. Johns family and the countless lives touched through his ministry will continue to be remembered and cherished for generations to come.

Following the transition of Bishop Johnson, the legacy of faithful leadership at Greater St. Johns continues through his son, Pastor Marc Johnson. On July 30, 2026, Pastor Marc Johnson was appointed Senior Pastor of Greater St. Johns Church of God in Christ by the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Having been shaped by the guidance, mentorship, and example of his beloved father, Pastor Marc now carries forward the spiritual foundation and ministry legacy established before him, leading Greater St. Johns into its next chapter with faith, vision, and a continued commitment to serving God and His people.