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Psalm 121

I look up to the mountains,
does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from GOD, who made heaven, and earth, and the mountains.

He won't let you stumble, your Guardian GOD won't fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep.

GOD's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you Shielding you from moonstroke.

GOD guards you from every evil, he guards your very life, He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.

JERRY LEE JOHNSON

July 16, 1942 - March 22, 2004

Jerry was born and reared in Louisville, Ky. He was the son of Helen and LeRoy Johnson and big brother of Linda and Kenny. He was very proud to be a fourth generation Portlander. He graduated from Male High School when it was located at Brook And Breckinridge. He receive his military training at the Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL where he learned to operate 8 in Howitzers. Jerry served in the army during the Viet Nam era but the family was always thankful he served his country in Germany.

With his military obligations behind him and armed with the money from the G.I. bill he decided to continue his education by enrolling at Western Kentucky University, where he graduated in 1981 with a B.A. in Geography and Political Science. One day while lounging in the Downing Student Center an employee asked Jerry if he would help them with something. Shortly after that the manger of the student center asked him if he would like to work at the center. After graduation, Jerry continued working as night operations manager at the student center. Jerry loved working with the students. There are many nurses, teachers, counselors and other successful WKU graduates who credit Jerry for getting them through their college years with happy memories to spare.

In July 1992 Jerry underwent a liver transplant after being diagnosed with an enzyme deficiency. Later, in 2000 he had a kidney transplant. In the summer of 2001 Jerry retired and moved to Louisville to be close to his family. Even though Jerry suffered through many operations and recuperations he was more than his illnesses. Jerry was an avid film buff. Not only did he enjoy going to the movies, he collected films and quite naturally became an expert on old films and film stars, especially the western movie genre. He was keenly interested in politics and ran for state legislator in the 43rd house district. He loved animals and through the years has had a dog named Mickey , a cat named Katie, and a horse named Don, not to mention a stray animal or two that would mysterious come around the back door at suppertime. He loved sports and was a coach/player on the church softball team. He as a fan of Western's Hilltoppers basketball and football teams. He valued his friends and enjoyed many adventures and good times that only friends can appreciate. Although he did not get to spend a lot of time with his two nephews, Adam and Andrew he loved them very much and was proud of their accomplishment.