Gullmas Johnson, Sr.

Mr. Gullmas Johnson affectionately known as “Mells” was the 14th of 14 children born to the late Mr. Kelly (Humpie) Leroy Johnson and the late Mrs. Curlie (Darby) Jenkins Johnson on July 6, 1954 in Perry, South Carolina.

Gullmas was educated in the Aiken County Public School System until he reached age 13.  Due to the sudden illness of their Parents Gullmas (age 13) along with his brother James (age 14), were brought from Perry, South Carolina to Columbia, South Carolina to be reared in the home of their Brother and Sister-In-law, Rev. and Mrs. Andrew Johnson.  Upon arriving to Columbia Gullmas was further educated in the Richland County Public School System, attending Fairwold Middle School and Eau Claire High School.

At an Early age Gullmas was baptized and added to the membership of the Piney Grove Baptist Church Perry, South Carolina. Upon moving to Columbia, South Carolina and by way of Christian Experience he united with the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cayce, South Carolina under the leadership of his brother the late Rev. Andrew Johnson.  At the time of his transition Gullmas was a member of the Unity United Methodist Church in Lugoff, South Carolina.

Gullmas was formerly employed by Southeastern Poultry in West Columbia, South Carolina. He was a  painter by trade. He was an Entrprenuer as he was the owner of Mells Johnson Star Painting.

God blessed Gullmas with the phenomenal gift of ministering in song and he did so in front of many audiences throughout the United States.  Singing Gospel was his Ultimate Passion. Gullmas has sung with some of Columbia, South Carolina’s Finest Gospel Quartet groups such as “The Soulful Notes”; “The Six Voices of Zion”; “The Ramada Singers” recording such songs as (“I’ll meet you over there” and  Mother is waiting and watching.” and other beautiful songs); “The Sons of the Johnsons and “The Aaron McCorkle Project.”  Gullmas entered the Professional Gospel Quartet Circuit as one of the Lead singers of “The Soul Stirrers” of Chicago, Illinois recording such hits as (“I’d Trade a Lifetime”; “Come and Go to that Land”; and “Joy To My Soul.”) and later on as lead singer of the Swan Silvertones, re-recording such hits as (“Only Believe” and “If you think your God is Dead Try Mine.”) as was originally recorded by his oldest brother the late Mr. Louis Johnson, former lead singer of the Swan Silvertones of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It was during his travels with the Soul Stirrers that he met his beautiful wife Cynthia Mitchell of Camden, South Carolina(daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mitchell Sr.). With God being the center of their Marriage they were united as one for (47) Forty Seven years. To this union they became the proud parents of (2) two sons.

Preceding Gullmas in death are his Parents, (6) Six brothers; Kelly, Louis, James, Sylvester, Cleophus and Andrew, (2) Two Sisters; Mildred and Bobbyrean; (7)Seven Sister-In-Laws and (4)Four Brother In-Laws.

Those left to cherish Gullmas’ precious memories are his Loving wife Cynthia; (2)Two Sons Gullmas Johnson, Jr.(Thomasenia) of Camden SC, Travis Johnson of Camden SC., (3)Three Grandchildren; Iria Marie, Ayden and Tiyanna; (1) One Great Grandchild, Myla.; (4)Four Sisters; Pearlean P. Williams(Aiken,South Carolina),O’Keller Phillips(Washington, DC), Jeanell Allen(Henry Sr.) of (Wagner South Carolina), Emma L. Stooks(Manhattan, New York); (1) One Brother; Rev. Dr. L.V. Johnson(Linda) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (1) One Sister-In-Law; Beverly(Baron) Lewis of Columbia, South Carolina and (1)One Brother-In-Law; Leon Salmond(Washington, DC).  A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

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