As the sun peaked upon the horizon, on the 8th day of January 1928, in the quaint settlement of New Bight,
Cat Island, it was indeed a joyous occasion. The home of the late David and Emily Johnson was blessed with a healthy,
bouncing baby boy, the 4th and oh so precious addition to their rapidly growing family. They bestowed all their love
and affections on him, and gave him the strong Christian name, 'Daniel David'.
Daniel was a very special child; quiet, obedient and trustworthy. He received his early education at the New
Bight, All Age School. At the tender age of 18, he married his high school sweetheart, Irene Nee Moss who was 16
years old at the time, in Nassau. Soon after this union, Daniel traveled to the United States seeking employment on
the 'Project' while Irene returned to New Bight. Although he worked abroad for several months at a time, Daniel's
love and commitment to his wife was always paramount. He ensured that his travel itinerary always led him back to
New Bight, Cat Island, to the home he shared with his beautiful wife. Daniel and his wife's strong desire to be together
resulted in her accompanying him to the U.S. as he voyaged back there to work on the 'Project'. In 1952 they returned
to their native land. Shortly thereafter that very same year his first born child, 'David', arrived. For a while, Daniel
continued to travel back and forth to the United States for work, but the distance from his family was too much for
his heart to handle. By the early 1960's he made the decision to stay at home in New Bight never to return to work in
the U.S. again. Daniel became consumed with finding work locally, no job was ever too big or too small. His provider
instinct sometimes led him to venture out to the neighbouring island of San Salvador to find employment there. While
working odd jobs in his hometown, Daniel's quick wit and strong work ethic got him lots of attention throughout the
settlement. It was these qualities that made him the ideal apprentice for the late Harold King, who taught him the skill
of masonry and carpentry. As a master of these two trades, Daniel was able to gain full-time employment assisting with
the construction of Mr. Bamba's and Mr. Armbrister's Resort in Smith's Bay, Cat Island. Daniel was the very essence
of a hard worker. Whenever he wasn't on a job you could find him in his field planting and tending to crop or raising
livestock. He believed whole heartedly that idle hands are the devil's workshop and refused to be involved in anything
unproductive. Whatever Daniel sowed in his field, he reaped abundantly. His 'green thumb' gave him critical acclaim
on the island. Daniel loved farming so much, he continued to farm up until his death.
In early 1990s, He took on the awesome task of busing school children from New Bight to Old Bight, Junior
and Senior High Schools until June 28th, 2014. Daniel was a devoted husband and father who worked hard to support
his family. But more importantly, he loved his God and served faithfully as Pastor of the Church of God in New Bight,
Cat Island for many years until his death.
On August 8th after complaining of abdominal pains, he came to New Providence to seek medical assistance
at The Princess Margaret Hospital. Daniel was admitted to Accident and Emergency for several hours after which he
was discharged and went to his daughter's residence. On Sunday August 10th, Daniel complained about feeling pain
and discomfort. To those around him he looked frail and was faintly breathing. But in spite of his debilitated state,
Daniel Johnson still had the resilience and presence of mind to speak to his wife and children about his love for the
Lord and the goodness of God. He told his children that he wanted to "leave this world". Daniel began singing to the
Lord as best he could, giving all he had left within him. He praised and thanked God for his Grace, and loving kindness
toward him. He repented and gained the assurance that his sins were forgiven by God and he was bound for the pearly
gates. After slipping in and out of consciousness a few times, he passed from time into eternity in the arms of his son
Everett and daughter Jennimae.
Sleep on Daniel. You have "fought a good fight; you have finished your course; you have kept the faith. From
this day forward, there is crown of righteousness awaiting you in heaven. A crown, that the Lord the righteous Judge,
shall bestow upon you for your servility and unwavering faithfulness toward Him. On that special day, you and all those
who have been faithful labourers for His kingdom shall receive your just reward."
For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain- If I am to lie in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me yet which, I shall
choose I cannot tell. I am hand pressed between the two – my desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better.
(Philippians 1: 21 – 23)