Read Albert "AL" Johns's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Albert "AL" Johns

Berea, OH, USA

November 4, 1940 - October 16, 2020

Nov 4, 1940 - Oct 16, 2020

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to The Albert L. Johns Engineering Scholarship.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Albert Lee Johns, 79, died peacefully on October 16, 2020 at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. Born November 4, 1940, he was the first born son of the late Gonto, Sr. and Mattie (Watson) Johns in Pahokee, Florida. Albert graduated from Lake Shore High School with training in brickmasonry; from Indiana Institute of Technology Fort Wayne with a B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering; and studied Engineering Science at Toledo University. But he was also a lifetime, independent learner; devouring numerous books on whatever his interests were at the time. One of his most recent, was the workings of the electric car, which he had planned to purchase soon. His readings had wide range, from Enoch the Ethiopian to Mars Boost. "Al," as he was known to most friends, retired from NASA Glenn Research Center after 40 years' service. His ability to focus, as well as "think outside the box," served him well in his career as a research engineer. He has received national and international recognition as a leader in aeropropulsion research. His work has been featured in Aviation Week and other professional magazines. "Al' was also able to maintain and magnify his presence outside the work sphere. He was almost never without his camera, capturing family events as well as landscapes and scenery on travels. He liked to plant roses and photograph them in full bloom. He planted gardens each year that might include several varieties of the same vegetable or exotic flowers. He also enjoyed tinkering with cars, fishing, bowling, grilling, family gatherings, jazz, and meditation. Albert was a founding member and past president of the North Berea Action Group, a community organization that granted scholarships to Berea High School graduates. He has served as president of the Berea Area Council on Human Relations and Regional Director of the National Technical Association, where he was honored for his dedicated service to minority STEM involvement, civil rights and empowerment. Albert is survived by his wife, Joyce, three sons, Gonto III, Chicago; Todd Keyon (Johnetta), Solon; and Marcus, Atlanta; sister Mary Alice Williams (Nico), Indiantown, FL; and brothers Gonto Jr., New Jersey; Dr. Jackie, West Palm Beach, FL; Anthony (Patricia); Indiantown, FL; grandsons Paris Keyon Johns, Jovonis Johns, Immanuel Armour and Parris Sansberry; plus, many nieces, nephews and friends. A final note to family and friends. Albert would say, “Give life 200%! and have a Great Life!”

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a donation to The Albert L. Johns Engineering Scholarship.

$195.00

of $500 goal

39 %

Learn more & give