MONTY A. JOHNSON, SR.

It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that our beloved Monty Angelo Johnson Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Fairhill Specialty Hospital in Cleveland, OH. Monty’s life began on April 13th, 1966 in Akron, OH to his parents Odie & Dorothy Johnson whom he loved dearly. Throughout Monty’s life, he took on many ventures and knowledge. Creating a love for the arts that he eventually passed down to his children, Monty played multiple instruments and loved to sing and listen to all genres of music. His favorite being reggae. He also loved photography and connecting with nature. But, he is widely known for his entrepreneurship. Monty owned several businesses across the city of Akron. His most notable and what has brought so many together is Monty’s Place Barbershop. This place was and still is to this day a hub for connection in the community. This place exuded Monty’s energy and professionalism, but most of all his heart for family. Once you walked into Monty’s Place, you left as family. Which is how most people remember him as “Uncle Monty”. The love, time, hard work, and dedication Monty put into the barbershop is what led Monty's Place Barbershop to win several awards for the best Barbers, as well as best Barbershop multiple years in a row. And his heart can still be felt inside. Not only was Monty an entrepreneur but he also was a landlord with a complex on the West side of Akron and a mentor. Monty took on many of the young black youth of the West Side community under his wing. Constantly employing the young black men of West Akron every summer, giving free haircuts to those in need for the time of back to school, and showing up for those who did not have a father figure in their life. He will forever live on in their hearts. Monty loved being all of these titles: Entrepreneur, Mentor, Barber. But there is one thing he loved much more than all of these. It was family. He was preceded in death by his parents Odie & Dorothy Johnson Brothers, Earle L. Bell and William “Billy” Locke. Great Aunt Naomi Pate, Aunt Geneva Poe, Aunt Lawaunn Stanley, and Cousin Lee Quinn. He is survived by his wife Karen D. Johnson, beautiful Daughter Naomi F. Johnson, and loving Son Monty Johnson II. His beloved sisters Johnetta Johnson-Bell, Lea Bell, Lisa (Theodis) Bell-Keys, and Alicia Banks of Akron. His dear Brothers Darrick (Sheri) Bell of Columbus GA, John C. (Channel) Bell Jr of Akron, Chris (Fanta) Weems of Akron, Nelson Becton, Eric Bell of Texas, and Jesse Robinson of Nebraska. Very special cousins Alex Andrew, William Andrew, Nathan Johnson, Karen Johnson, Arthur Johnson, Debra Chambers, Greg Chambers, Sanford Taylor, Minister Angela (Tommy) Brown, Greg & Margie Brightwell, Jeannie M. (John) Wilson, Tristan Wilson of Akron, Fronzetta (Ron) Peake of Atlanta GA, Terri (Carl) Prewitt of Chicago IL, Wanda Pruiett of Charlotte North Carolina, and Vanessa Winborn, Sheldon Winborn, and Sharice Winborn of Akron. Special Nephews Terrance Walker, Joshua Bell, Troy Parmer, Tavares Parmer of Akron Special Nieces Siedia Bell, and Chauntel Jefferson of Indianapolis, IN. Father figure Deacon Ronnie Campbell And an extra collection of other relatives and friends. If Monty could leave us with one last thing it would be love, companionship, and a huge thank you to all who were there for him when he called and those who opened their doors whenever he wanted to stop by and have a good time. Monty touched so many of us and will resonate in our hearts forever. Until we can meet Monty again let us all celebrate his life together. The Homegoing Memorial service for our beloved Monty Angelo Johnson Sr. will take place on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 between 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. at Rhoden Memorial Home, 1101 Palmetto Ave Akron, OH. Followed by a balloon release immediately after at Monty’s Place Barbershop at 850 W. Exchange St Akron, OH.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of MONTY A. JOHNSON, SR., please visit our floral store.