Obituary: Vingilan Thaier Johnson (March 5, 1971-February 12, 2023)

Vingilan Thaier Johnson was born to Charles and Ethel Johnson of Oxford, Mississippi on March 5, 1971. He accepted Christ at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford.

“Vingi,” as he was affectionately called, loved God and singing praises to His holy name. His musical gift allowed him the opportunity to play drums for the gospel group, The Sounds of Heaven, during his juvenile years. Vingi was an avid sports enthusiast with a love for football.

Vingi attended the Oxford City Schools and was a proud classmate of the Oxford High School Class of 1989. During his tenure, he played football, sang in the Oxford High Chorus, was voted Most Talented in 1988 and crowned Mr. OHS in 1989. After graduating from OHS, he attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS from 1989-1994 on a full football scholarship. While at JSU, he was a four-year starter for the Tigers’ defense and Team Captain his senior year. “Rock Head, BIG DOG,” as he was nicknamed was not the LB (Linebacker) you wanted to come in contact with on the grid iron. His team player style earned him respect on and off the field. In 1994, Vingi received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from JSU. He owned a Jani-King franchise for several years and worked for companies in the freight industry. For over 14 years, he was Terminal Manager at YRC Worldwide in Bossier City.

On February 9, 1997, Vingi married the love of his life Wanda Michelle Sylvester. To this union two beautiful children were born, Tyler Darnae and Brandon Thaier Johnson. Wanda was a devoted wife and compassionately cared for husband through sickness and health. They shared many good times together especially the JSU excursions, true die hard JSU Alumnus. Vingi was loving, family oriented, magnanimous, and amusing. He was the life of the party, the light in the room, the smile that could brighten your day. He was a pleasant spirit and beautiful soul that created great relationships. He lived life to the fullest, enjoyed traveling and going to watch THEE JSU TIGERS and the Sonic Boom of the South.

On Sunday, February 12, 2023, Vingi made it to the ultimate Super Bowl. He submitted to the Lord’s will and peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his wife of 26 years, Wanda Johnson of Bossier City, LA; his daughter, Tyler Johnson of Jackson, MS; his son, Brandon Johnson Bossier City, LA; his Godson, Sgt. Charles E Moffett III of Kaiserslautern, Germany; his parents Charles and Ethel Johnson of Oxford, MS; two sisters, Nekici Ruffin (Anthony) of Oxford, MS and Matrice Raven (Thaddeus) of Fort Worth, TX; one granddaughter, Journey Love of Jackson, MS; mother in love, Ann Jackson of Clinton, MS; mother in love, Rosalyn Sylvester of Jackson, MS; four nephews, Dallas and Mason Ruffin of Oxford, MS and TJ and Caleb Raven of Fort Worth, TX and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Abe & Fannie Lee Johnson; Jonas & Rossie Lee Parham; Joe Jr. Woods; great-grandparents, Willie & Ronetta Johnson; Roger & Collean Thompson; Hattie Harris; and Clyde Woods. Father in love, Edward Sylvester and Jimmy Jackson also preceded Vingi in death.