Johnson, Cloyes' Obituary
Cloyes Johnson, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife, children, and grandchildren.
Born on February 18, 1931, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Cloyes was the fourth of ten children born to Ulysses and Irene Johnson. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Cloyes answered the call to serve his country—first in the United States Air Force, and later in the United States Army.
His military service brought him to San Diego, California, where he met the love of his life, Margaretta Dolores Artis. The two were married in 1966 and went on to build a life rooted in love. Together, they raised two daughters, Cheryl Lynn Johnson-Walls and Cloris Johnson.
After leaving the military in 1965, Cloyes began his professional career as a Supervior at the National Steel Ship Building Company. He accepted an early retirement package and became the youngest person to retire from the company. Following early retirement, he embarked on a second career as a Longeshoreman Clerk and Foreman at the Port of San Diego. Cloyes had a deep passion for horse racing and never missed an opportunity to watch the races. He was a familiar face at the Del Mar Race Track and worked for the Thoroughbred Club for over forty years. Cloyes will always be remembered for his kind spirit, generous heart, and willingness to help anyone in need.
Of all his accomplishments, he considered being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather his greatest achievement. His heart belonged to his family and everything he did was for them. He adored his five grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to show them how much he loved them. At every stage of their lives, he was an integral part of their growth and development. He was always there to listen to them, guide them ,and celebrate their accomplishments.
A lover of sports and good food, Cloyes’s warmth, sense of humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed by those who were closest to him.
Cloyes was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Charles Johnson, Floyd Johnson, Doris Dorn, Morris Johnson, Willie Bernice Selmon, and Bettye Jean Newton.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaretta Dolores Johnson; daughters Cheryl Johnson-Walls (Myron) and Cloris Johnson; grandchildren Anthony Swanegan Jr., Aiyanna Venable, Chloe Walls, Myron Walls Jr., and Aiden Godfrey. He also lovingly welcomed Jessica Edwards, Jesse Edwards, Angelina Edwards, and Niani Stevens into his life and heart. Cloyes is also survived by his siblings, Edna Jones (Harvey), James Johnson, and Clifford Johnson (Ola), as well as large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Cloyes’s legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to inspire those who knew him. We are forever grateful for the extraordinary gift of his life, and we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to his example.
A celebration of Cloyes’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Greenwood Mortuary.
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