Cornelius "Bud" Johnson, Jr.

April 3, 1951 ~ August 14, 2025 (age 74)

Cornelius “Bud” Johnson Jr., beloved son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, peacefully completed his earthly journey and took his rest on August 14, 2025, at home, surrounded by family and love.

Born April 3, 1951, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Cornelius Johnson Sr. and Eddie Lee (Phillips) Johnson, Bud was the eldest son of their union. He grew up in a close-knit family that included his siblings, Marcella (Charles) Lottie, Carlos Lee Johnson, Dennis (Traci) Johnson, Bernita (Bitsy) Johnson, Kenneth (Gigi) Johnson, and Todd (Leticia) Johnson.

Bud was the loving father of Cindy Johnson, Tavarius Johnson, Marcus Johnson, and Marcos Cannady, and bonus daughter Monique Howard. He was a proud grandfather to Cornelius Johnson III, E’Reshia Johnson, Leslie Johnson, Dawana (Booka) Johnson, Latavia Johnson, Tavarius Johnson Jr., Tashawn Johnson, Tayvar Johnson, Ja’sai Johnson, Talayja’ Cannady, Marcos Cannady Jr., Markel Cannady, and Jaycean Anthony Howard. He leaves to cherish his memory his long-time beloved and cherished companion, Carolyn Murphy; his sisters, Minnie “Peaches” Conigan and Brenda Gregory; and his cousins and lifelong partners in a treasury of memories—Michael Phillips, Nathanial Johnson, Derrick, Allen, and Mark Phillips, Danny Johnson, Roscoe (Vickie) Jackson.  Bud is also survived by his aunts Frances Lee of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Mary Ann Bethel of East Chicago, Indiana, Alberta Husband and Alice Allen of South Bend, Indiana.

A Life Well Lived
At an early age, Bud was baptized and became a member of Laymen Chapel CME Church under the guidance of Reverend John Bowles and Reverend B.W. Kirk. He carried those teachings throughout his life, living his faith in quiet generosity and the spirit of welcome he extended to all he loved. Cornelius Bud Johnson attended Harrison Elementary, where he played basketball and baseball. He also attended Washington High School and LaSalle High School. Bud relocated to Atlanta Georgia and began to work for Grady Hospital and FedEx, followed by twenty-plus years with NAPA Auto Parts as a carrier before retiring. He brought reliability, honesty, skill, and pride in a job well done. 

 Bud was known for his smooth demeanor, sharp wit, and an easy laugh that could light up a room. He had a way of showing up for those he loved and made the intentional choice to return home to South Bend to be near his family and friends. When Buddie Stone walked into a place, you knew it—the energy shifted. His presence filled the room with excitement, joy, and his one-of-a-kind debonair, dapper gentleman style.

Reflections & Prize Moments
•    In October 1995, Bud traveled to Washington, D.C., to stand among hundreds of thousands of men at the historic Million Man March—a moment of unity and purpose he cherished and often shared.

•    He was honored to meet Martin Luther King III, a memory he carried like a badge of pride.

•    Known for his impeccable taste, Bud was often called the “best dressed” in the room, pairing sharp suits with an easy swagger.

•    Bud was a celebrity among celebrities. He met and became fast friends with comedians Cedric the Entertainer and Katt Williams. Katt was so taken by Bud’s effortless cool and style that he took the mink coat off his own back and gifted it to him.

•    He loved Cadillac cars—sleek, polished, and timeless, just like him.

•    Bud loved the Lake; he admired those he grew up with at the Lasalle Center, and growing up on 414 South Kenmore Street. 

•    As a young boy, Bud admired his grandfather Wilson’s polished Stacy Adams shoes and learned early how to care for his own shoes, clothes, and hats. That lesson in pride and presentation became part of who he was for the rest of his life.

•    Whether behind the wheel of a Cadillac or holding court at a family gathering, Bud moved through life with smoothness, style, and a smile.

•    Bud was a family hero, who ran into a burning house to save his little brother Kenny from a fire at the age of 8 years old.  

Family & Legacy
Cornelius “Bud” Johnson Jr. leaves to cherish his memory a host of extended family and friends who will carry his spirit forward.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius Sr. and Eddie Lee Johnson; his maternal grandparents Houston Phillips and Annie (Phillips) Alston; his paternal grandparents Wilson and Lela Magee; and other beloved family members he adored and deeply missed, including his favorite Aunt Ida Mae Laster, cousin Loretta Laster, cousin Kenneth “Poonie” Pope and niece Porzia Micou and grandmother, Sarah Johnson.

Bud’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and faith. While our hearts are heavy with loss, we rejoice knowing he has found peace, and we will hold fast to the joy, laughter, and style he leaves behind.

The family of Cornelius “Bud” Johnson Jr. would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers who walked with him in his final season of life. A special thank you to the Center for Hospice Care and his nurse, Amy, Charles Lottie, Marcus Northern, Charles Murphy, Michael Leroy Johnson, Jimmie Lottie, Bettie Jackson, Barbara Wadley, niece Amika Micou, Michael, Phylis Phillips, Chanel Carlisle and many members of the Franklin, Johnson and Phillips family. We are especially grateful to Carolyn Murphy whose steadfast love and care sustained Bud and brought him comfort and peace in his final days.

The visitation will be held on Friday, 22nd August 2025 at 12:00pmEDT, at Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC, located at 1025 West Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, 46601. A celebration of Cornelius's life will follow at 1:00pmEDT at the same location.

As we remember Cornelius, we invite you to leave memories and upload photos to his memorial page. These memories and photos will serve as a testament to the incredible life he lived, his enduring spirit, and the indelible mark he left on everyone he knew. His light may have dimmed in this world, but his spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts. 

8/17/2025 djb

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/CorneliusBud-Johnson