The Joy Joseph Johnson Scholarship Fund
Established – December 1996
First Baptist Church
North Main Street
Fairmont, North Carolina
“You Can Do It, If You Put God First”
Dr. Joy Joseph Johnson
JJ Johnson Scholarship Fund
First Baptist Church
North Main Street
Post Office Box 1087
Fairmont, North Carolina 28340
(910) 628-9593-Office
Email – Website –
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in applying for this noteworthy scholarship. This scholarship is named in honor and memory of a servant, statesman and leader; Dr. Joy Joseph Johnson.
Enclosed, you will find a brief biographical sketch of Dr. Johnson and a copy of the J. J. Johnson Scholarship application. Also enclosed is a rubric to assist you with your essay composition. You will also find a checklist to aid you in making sure that your application packet is accurate and complete before you submit it.
The J.J. Johnson Screening Committee will not screen an incomplete application. Neither will they screen an application of an applicant who does not meet all the requirements. To avoid submitting an incomplete application, read the application thoroughly; complete all entries of information including the signature of your pastor (interim pastor, or church leader); compose the requested essay and submit three letters of references along with your high school transcript.
Afterwards, submit your application packet by May 2, 2017 to:
First Baptist Church
J. J. Johnson Scholarship
Post Office Box1087
Fairmont, North Carolina 28340
Your application must be postmarked or in the church office by May 2, 2017.
Top applicants are invited to participate in a semifinalist interview process. Semifinalists will be contacted and given information about the interview process. Winners of the scholarship will be chosen from this group.
Best wishes to you upon your graduation. May God forever bless and keep you.
Sincerely,
The JJ Johnson Scholarship Committee
JJ Johnson Scholarship Fund
First Baptist Church
North Main Street
Post Office Box 1087
Fairmont, North Carolina 28340
(910) 628-9593-Office
Email – Website –
APPLICANT’S CHECKLIST
Name ______
Every application packet that is submitted must include the following:
_____ Completed Application Form
_____ Essay ( at least one single spaced page)
_____ Three (3) letters of reference
_____ Official High School Transcript (C+ average or better)
_____ Application signed by Pastor, Assistant Pastor,
Associate Minister
______Postmarked by May 2, 2017
THE J.J. JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
The J.J. Johnson Scholarship Fund was established in December 1996 to encourage, support, and inspire young people to achieve their post high school educational goals. Applications are available to any graduating senior attending the Public Schools of Robeson County and any graduating senior of First Baptist Church, North Main Street, Fairmont, NC. The applicant must be active in his/her church and community; have a good attendance and conduct record; and must have obtained a C+ average or better.
In addition to the form below, the applicant must submit the following:
•his/her high school transcript (in a sealed envelope)
•an essay (at least one (1) single spaced, not exceeding two (2 ) single spaced pages) which should include a brief biography, goals, interest, future plans, awards, offices held and recognitions in school, community and church. You may also include moral values and religious belief. Your essay should include information to persuade the committee why you should receive this scholarship.
•three letters of reference
- a member of the church you attend
- a member of the community
- school personnel
Please complete the entire form. The screening committee will not be able to evaluate incomplete applications.
Name of Applicant
______
Address ______
______
Mailing Address (if different from the above)
______
------
Home Telephone ______
Cell Phone ______
Email ______
Names of Parent(s) or Guardian(s)
School of Attendance
School’s Address
______
Principal’s
______
Pastor’s Name
______
Pastor’s Signature
______
Dr. Joy Joseph Johnson
The late Dr. Joy Joseph Johnson, son of the late William and Edith Buchanan Johnson, was born November 2, 1921 in Scotland County, North Carolina. His parents were sharecroppers. And though his early life was one of humble and meager beginnings; it evolved into a full and prosperous life. His focus was to help others learn to help themselves and to be a friend to all.
Dr. Johnson attended Laurinburg Institute and was a graduate of Shaw University. He received an Honorary Degree from Friendship College, and Doctorate of Letters from Shaw University.
At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Savior and was called to the Christian Ministry at the age of eighteen. In September 1951, at the age of 29, Dr. Johnson accepted the pastorate to First Baptist Church (originally named Pleasant Hill Baptist Church) of Fairmont. He served as pastor of the First Baptist Church congregation for forty-five progressive years.
Prior to coming to First Baptist Church, Fairmont, he had been a Bible teacher at the Laurinburg Institute; Pastor of the Second Baptist Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church, Laurinburg; Pastor of Unionville Baptist Church of Wagram and Christ Memorial Church of Pinehurst.
He served in the following capacities: Chairman of the Executive Committee of the General Baptist State Convention; Moderator of the Lumber River Baptist Association; Secretary of the North Carolina NAACP; Member of the Fairmont TRI-Racial Committee; Fairmont Town Commissioner, Member of the North Carolina General Assembly (House of Representatives, District 16); Chairman of the North Carolina State House Committee on Human Resources; North Carolina Parole Commissioner; Chairman of the Robeson County Human Relations and Unity Commission; Member of the UNC Board of Governors; Member of the Board of Trustees of Robeson Community College; founder and charter President of the Robeson County African American Cultural Center.
Dr. Johnson also served as moderator of the St. John Baptist Association; President of the Robeson County Black Caucus; Chairman of the Board of the Tri-County Record Newspaper; Member of the State Executive Democratic Committee; and Mayor of Fairmont.
He wrote several publications. The two most noted are “From Poverty to Power” and “Joy, Sorrow and Sin”.
He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a Thirty-three Degree Mason.
Dr. Johnson was married to the late Omega Foster Johnson. To this union one daughter was born, Deborah Johnson Killens. She is married to Alexander Killens and they have two daughters (Joy Alexandra and Jenee’ Johnson).
Dr. Joy Joseph Johnson was a “mover and a shaker”. He had a heart of compassion for all people. He was a man of wisdom, insight and courage. He made a difference; making life better for many during his lifetime.
In December 1996, First Baptist Church, North Main Street, Fairmont, NC established the Joy Joseph Johnson Scholarship in Dr. Johnson’s honor to express their appreciation for his many years of service to his congregation, community, county, state and nation. Dr. Johnson transitioned from his earthly existence on December 30, 1996.
In June of 2002, North Carolina Highway 41(from Fairmont to NC Hwy. 74) was named the Joy J. Johnson Memorial Highway. This is a great honor for one who served mankind so passionately.