Jefferson Lee Johnson

Jefferson Lee Johnson, 45 took his sunset ride on his champion horse on Tuesday, October 15th 2024. Affectionally known as Lee, he was born on November 24th 1978 at the old Belize Hospital in Belize City, Belize to Johnny and Netty Johnson. Lee moved with the family at a very young age to Carrizo Springs, Texas and grew up there. It was there in Carrizo Springs where he realized his true love for horses. Lee joined the Dimmit County Youth Rodeo Club and immediately started competing in horse related sports. After middle school, Lee’s parents moved back to Belize where he attended Muffles High School. Adjusting and making many friends, Lee is remembered for his great outlook on life, his humor, his love of animals, infectious smile and adventurous spirit, but most of all his love of family and friends. After High School Lee moved back to his beloved Texas to attend college and that is where he found his life’s passion, Show Jumping. Lee started training and jumping horses in the Beaumont area and his growth took him all over parts of East and Central Texas. As his career progressed, Lee challenged himself more and more. These challenges and successes took him out of his beloved Texas to Tennessee. In Tennessee is where Lee met the love of his life, Laura Gillespie and the two remained life partners. They made their home on the Tennessee/Alabama border in Athens, Alabama. At this time is where Lee really refined his skills as an excellent horse trainer and equestrian competitor. His competitions took him all over the United States and has produced many champion horses. In August of 2022, his training and competitive skills were featured in Horse magazine (a national publication) for his great work. Though a very successful horseman and far from his home and family, Lee always kept in touch, sharing his successes and enjoying news from home. He and Laura traveled and saw many parts of the country, but Lee always claimed his favorite was his Texas. He enjoyed coming home to family events, especially those of his nieces and nephews. Lee is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his partner Laura Gillespie of Athens, Alabama. 3 brothers and sisters in law; Dennis and Virginia Johnson of Montgomery, Texas; Ben and Amber Johnson of Beaumont, Texas; and Jimmy and Karina Johnson of College Station, Texas. Nieces; Kelsey Johnson, Abby Johnson, Minerva Olson, Victoria Johnson, Isabella Boules, Daryl Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Leah Osborne, Georgia Osborne and Bella Osborne. Nephews; Ryan Johnson, James Johnson, Reagan Johnson, Chilam Johnson. Austin Johnson and Zachary Johnson. Numerous friends, cousins and family . There will be a Celebration of Life visitation and praying of the Rosary on Saturday, October 26th at 1pm followed by a celebration of life Mass at 1:30 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 8227 County Road 205, Plantersville, Texas 77363. Interment will follow at the Old Historic Cemetery in Montgomery, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Netty Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was founded by Lee and his brothers in honor of their mother to provide scholarships for under privileged high school students in Belize. https://theschoolbagfoundation.org/netty-johnson-scholarship/ You may leave written condolences to his family at www.shmfh.com

Jefferson Lee Johnson

November 24, 1978 - October 15, 2024