Funeral services for John C. Sojourner Jr. of Crystal Springs are 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, at Harmony Baptist Church. Stringer Family Funeral Services in Crystal Springs is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is Wednesday from 4 until 7 p.m. at the church

Mr. Sojourner, 62, passed away at his home early in the morning on Aug. 6, 2013.

Johnny was born on Dec. 18, 1950 and was raised on a farm in Crystal Springs. He graduated from Crystal Springs High School, earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and graduated from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy.

While at USM, Johnny married Anne Benke of Jackson. Their first child, Shannon, was born in Athens, Ga. while Johnny was pursuing his pharmacy degree. Upon graduation from the University of Georgia, the family moved home to Mississippi. A couple of years later, the family welcomed its second daughter, Amy. Five years later, the family was pleasantly “surprised” with a third daughter, Anna.

Johnny was the sole proprietor of both City Drugs and Krystal Gravel in Crystal Springs, which he operated continuously since 1981. Although he was known by many as a successful businessman, he will be most remembered for his passion and love for Jesus. Johnny was a strong supporter and contributor to many churches and missionaries, and his positive influence is far reaching. Johnny enjoyed teaching, whether it be a Sunday School class, Master Life, showing a young person how to transact business deals or teaching someone how to operate a tractor.

He was a member of Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon and served as a deacon (once as chairman), greeter and teacher.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, John Clemon “BoBo” Sojourner and Ruth “Ging Ging” Sojourner.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Anne Benke Sojourner. Other survivors include his daughter, Shannon Elliott of Flowood (husband, John, and children, Trey and Hayes); daughter, Amy Eversole of Madison (husband, Craig, and children, Will and Anna Grace); daughter, Anna Graves of Flowood (husband, Wayne, and child on the way, Lily). Also, he is survived by his younger brother, Wayne of Crystal Springs (wife, Suzie and children, Ben, Matt and Michael).

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to We Will Go Ministries, 799 North Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39202.

Please visit our online guest book at www.StringerFuneral.com.