Johnny Boston, Sr.

Johnny Ray Boston, Sr. was born to the union of Johnnie B. Boston and Dorothy Mitchell on September 4, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from South Bend High School in South Bend, Indiana.

He enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 3 years. His years in the military encouraged him to become a member of the American Legend and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, becoming the Commander of Bellwood VFW Post 5081, and later forming the Veterans of Bellwood Organization.

He attended technical school for Fire & Burglar Alarms after which he worked as a Security and Alarm technician for over a decade. During the tech revolution of the nineties, he studied IT and computer technology which he would use to create a life-long career in tech including his own tech business which led to his appointment as a computer consultant for the Village of Bellwood.

In September of 1986 he married his loving wife, Jophelia Fletcher Boston, and blending and adding to their family a daughter, Kamiele Aniece Boston; son and namesake, Johnny Ray Boston, Jr.; and goddaughter, Nikki Evans Smith.

He would later begin his career in photography, which started as a hobby and grew into a passion. “Mr. B” fondly referred to by his Village colleagues, was known at village functions as the man with the camera giving directions such as “Hold It” and “It’s a Wrap.” He not only was the photographer, but he also held the position of Crossing Guard/Computer Resource Center Director. However, to those in Bellwood, Proviso Township and beyond, he was the revered village Photographer.

Johnny was also a spiritual man which was evident when asked to bless the food or pray at a function; we would realize just how much he loved God by his fervent prayer for the leaders of Bellwood, and to bless the food before we dined. He had a high regard for his job and like the resolute employee he was, if called upon, answered the call of duty – a character trait he learned during his years in the military.

On January 26, 2025, God called Johnny home leaving us with special memories of his sense of humor, joyous laughter, and zest for life and all things Bellwood which will be amiss at family functions, community events and through the halls of the Village.

His parents, sister, Ann McDonald, brothers, Greg, Steve, Donald, and Randy Boston proceeded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Jophelia of 38 years; his daughter, Kamiele; son, Johnny (Randyl); goddaughter, Nikki (Jeff); 4 god-grandchildren, Alana (Kenyon), Marcel, Imani and MJ; two great-grandchildren, Jayce and Amiyah; two brothers, Bradley and Marlon Boston; three aunts, Marquita Boston, Mary Lockheart and Carolyn Mitchell; brother-in-law, Bobby (Georgia) Fletcher; sisters-in-law, Marion (Art) Fletcher, Gwen Fletcher, Velmar (Ken) Greene and Deborah Chapman; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he loved dearly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnny Boston, Sr., please visit our floral store.