Ernest Johnson, Jr. was born in New Roads, Louisiana, on January 21, 1954. He was a handsome and adorable baby boy entering the life of Joe Swift and Evelyn Johnson. He was a jolly little fellow up until the age of five. He had a younger brother and an older sister. After age five, Ernest, his brother, and his sister started being mischievous.

Ernest and his siblings were challenged to get the first piece of ham from their granddad's hand. Ernest won because he was always faster than his siblings. His sister, Sandra, jumped on Ernest's back to hold him down as Benny decided to climb onto a tabletop and body-slammed Ernest, breaking his arm. For months until Ernest's arm healed, Sandra had to nurture him back to health. As far as Benny's punishment, his rear end was sore for a while. Ernest came out on top because whatever he wanted, we had to take command. Ernest knew his mom would take care of business.

Ernest grew up in a home of love, happiness, and respect. He accepted Christ at an early age. He loved the Lord and gave Him thanks for carrying him through his lifelong illness. Knowing God was his strength to carry on day by day. He told his family that he was so grateful for God allowing him to live as long as he did. He gave praise to his heavenly father each time he spoke to his family.

Some of the fun things Ernest enjoyed doing were fishing, watching old movies, working on automobiles, listening to old-school jams, and being around his friends telling jokes. After completing high school, Ernest went into the United States Army. His job entailed working on diesel trucks from 1974 to 1976. Later, Ernest faithfully worked at Collision Solution for 23 years until his death. He had much love for his boss, "Boo," as he called him. He spoke highly of Mr. Vu Nguyen to his family and friends. Ernest enjoyed working with all of his coworkers. They were his second family. He told his family he had the greatest boss and coworkers anyone could ever ask for.

Ernest is survived by four children: Erica (Mike) Crawford of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Cedric Demond Coston of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Brian (Sarah) Thomas of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, and Etovia Johnson; three sisters: Sandra (John) Saxton of Fitzpatrick, Alabama, Mary Swift of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Ida Swift of Dallas, Texas; three brothers: Benn (Edna) Johnson of Detroit, Michigan, Clarence Swift of Blytheville, Arkansas, and James Swift of Dallas, Texas; twelve grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Swift; mother, Evelyn Johnson; grandfather, Ernest Johnson; grandmother, Lizzie Johnson; brother, Louis Johnson; niece, Viva L. Albert; nephew, Terry M. Grigsby; great-nephew, Terry K. Grigsby, III.