Trending
Jeffrey (Jeff) Lavaire Johnson (AKA- Pa, Pap and Pappy), 74, of Belington passed from this life on Oct. 5, 2026, surrounded by his family after battling prostate cancer and heart disease for the past several years.
Jeff was born on April 28, 1952, to the late Junior Leonard Johnson and Wanda Holbert Johnson Poling, who preceded him in death.
On March 7, 1982, Jeff married the former Debra Kay Phillips, who survives at their residence in Belington West Virginia.
Jeff is survived by two children, a daughter, Joan Leanette Johnson Sturm and husband, Tim, and a son, Jason Lynn Johnson, all of Belington. Also surviving are two grandchildren, that he thought the world of. A granddaughter, Paige Nicole Zacavish and husband, Trevor, of Flemington West Virginia, and a grandson, Jacob Leonidas Johnson of Belington West Virginia. Surviving are two great-grandchildren, who were his world, Zayne and Zara Zacavish of Flemington West Virginia. Jeff is survived by one sister, Tamra Johnson Ware and husband, Danny, of Belington West Virginia; his mother- in-law, Mary Bell Phillips of Belington. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Betty Johnson of San Diego, California, Diane (Eddie) White of Mill Creek, West Virginia, and Donna Phillips of Belington; one brother-in-law, David (Dee Dee) Phillips of Belington. Surviving are several nieces and nephews and his canine companion, Doodle.
Proceeding him in death besides his parents, one sister and brother-in-law, Erika (Dwight) Haller; half-brother, James (Jim) Johnson; his father-in-law, Burley Phillips; and several aunts and uncles.
Jeff also leaves behind family and friends who were very close to him, JP Corley, Bobby Poling, Wayne Harris and Jack Ours.
Jeff attended school in Barbour County and graduated with the Philip Barbour High school class of 1970. Over the years, Jeff worked as an Auto Body Mechanic, worked in the Coal Mines, Hanging DryWall, ran and operated the Rip Saw and before becoming disabled he owned and operated Johnson's Furniture Works in Belington, where they manufactured wooden futons and other wooden furniture. When he was able, Jeff enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing poker. He enjoyed playing baseball (was a great pitcher), he loved raising and training rabbit Beagles and hearing them run.
Above all, Jeff was a family man. He loved his family unconditionally, especially his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. They were his everything. He worked hard over the years to provide and protect his loved ones. Jeff was an all-around great guy. He had a heart of gold and would do what he could to help others in need. He had a great sense of humor, always joking, teasing and kidding around. Jeff was a strong and brave man who never gave up in his battles with cancer and heart disease.
He outlived by years what the doctors and tests predicted. Like he told Dr. Valentine, he was not your average patient.
Jeff will be greatly missed by his family and friends and all that knew him.