Reverend Johnny Levant was born on July 10, 1937 in the farming town of Screven, Georgia. As a young child he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior and began his walk with God.
Reverend Johnny Levant graduated from Wayne County Training High School in 1957. He excelled in academics and sports as a participant of the football and track teams. After graduating, he relocated to Salisbury, MD and worked as a cook in various restaurants. In 1958, he married Mary Howard and raised two sons before making their home in Trenton, New Jersey. He worked at US Steel as a wire-rope machinist and served as Union Vice President until its closing in 1981. His favorite past time was bowling where he belonged to several PBA bowling leagues, and he earned multiple trophies. His love of cooking and fishing provided him with much pleasure.
In 1994, he met his love, Bertha McCray while serving at Hamilton Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their love of God’s word and their friendship blossomed, and they married in December 2000. They relocated to Daisy, Georgia and began their service to God at Sams Creek Baptist Church as pastor and first lady.
After graduating seminary, Reverend Levant’s ministerial journey of preaching, praying, teaching, counseling, and visiting the sick began and continued for over 50 years at the following houses of worship: Cadwalder-Asbury United Methodist Church, Trenton, New Jersey, Mt. Zion- Westley United Methodist Church, West Deptford, New Jersey, Hamilton Memorial United Methodist Church, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Sams Creek Baptist Church, Metter, Georgia where he retired and became Pastor Emeritus. Reverend Levant participated in numerous associations and affiliations throughout his journey. His love of God’s word feed the people and his love of fishing gathered men, women, and children. With the aid of his Lord, Pastor Emeritus Johnny Levant served God’s people with genuine dedication and perseverance until he was called home. He truly touched the lives of many.
Reverend Johnny Levant departed this life on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his father, Deacon Woodrow Williams, and his mother, Almeta Byrd; His Stepfather- James (Buddy) Levant; His beloved Wife- Bertha Levant; His Stepson- Robert Holmes Primous; Brothers: Reverend Woodrow Willaims, Jr, and Winford Williams; Sisters- Reverend Dr. Patrica A. Robinson, and Janie Mae Levant.
He leaves to cherish his memories, Sons- Michael K. Levant Sr. (Ollie) NJ, Ulysses Frederick (Holli) NJ; Stepdaughters- Sherri Primous-NY, Elizabeth Porter-GA, Carol Johnson-VA, Juliet Ruiz-GA, Phyllis Primous-IL; Brothers- James Levant, Jr-NJ, Jesse Levant-GA, Richard Levant-GA; Sisters- Evelyn Williams-NJ, Carrie Bryant-GA, Pearlene Hall (Jeffrey-GA); Fifteen grandchildren and Fifteen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.
