Matthew Mayfield Johnson Sr.

Remembering a Life

Matthew Mayfield Johnson, 58, was born on November 29, 1965, in Long Island, New York, to Mary Theresa and Jimmy Johnson. He passed away on September 29, 2024, in Portland, Oregon.  After the loss of his mother during his infancy, Matthew was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Annie B. Pulliam Orr. He has three brothers, Karl Johnson, Joe Johnson, and Ehrick Dozninski-Flake. 

Matthew cherished 37 wonderful years with his spouse, Connie Gray. A passionate music lover, Matthew found joy in melodies and rhythms, seamlessly weaving music into his daily life. He embraced a laid-back, 420-friendly lifestyle, often expressing his distaste for anything less than the best. When not surrounded by family and friends, he could be seen driving his classic midnight blue Chevy, its unmistakable sound echoing through North and Northeast Portland long before it came into view. Many afternoons were spent at Dawson Park, where he gathered with friends to play dominoes and share laughter. 

Matthew was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Theresa and Jimmy Johnson; his grandmother, Annie B. Pulliam; his brother, Karl Johnson; and his spouse, Connie Gray. 

He leaves behind a loving family, including his children: Shaveca Johnson, Matthew Johnson Jr., Laveca Johnson, Demarcus Johnson, Mattherion Johnson, Mattavion Johnson, Erneishia Gray, Atiyeh Carter, and Ernie Taylor Jr., his siblings, Joe Johnson and Ehrick Dozninski-Flake; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He also had several grandchildren that he loved so much: DeMiya Johnson, Matthew Johnson III, Tristan Johnson, Christian Johnson, Julianna Johnson, Ananiah Johnson, Demarcus Johnson Jr. De’Alondo Gray, Mykia Hernandez, Andreya Carter and Andrey'na Carter. Matt also had one great grandchild named Ma’ziya Scott. Matt had many nieces, nephews, and cousins and extended family.

Matthew cherished countless friendships, dedicating endless time to those he held dear, including Charles “Dough Boy” Hamilton, Michael “Monkey Mike” Hepburn, Earl “Choc” Hillman, Gary Washington, and Cordell Wells. Beloved by many, Matthew will be deeply missed by all who knew him.