Albert "Toby" Johnson, Jr., 62, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Elkhart General Hospital on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., following unexpected complications from a fall at home. His passing leaves a tender space in the hearts of all who loved him, yet his spirit remains vibrantly present in the many lives he touched.

Toby was born on February 23, 1963, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late Albert Johnson, Sr., and Gertrude "Sugar" (Forrest) Johnson. He grew up within a family rich in love, humor, and grit—qualities he carried proudly throughout his life. In addition to his parents, he is reunited in heaven with his brother, Vernon Joe Johnson; his sister, Rosie Jean Johnson; and his lifelong confidant and cousin—though truly more like a brother—Cornelius "Champ" Sanders, who heartbreakingly passed away just days before Toby. The thought of the two of them meeting again, likely laughing loud enough to rattle the gates, brings comfort to all who knew their bond.

Although separated, Toby is survived by his wife, Victoria A. (Hodge) Johnson of Benton Harbor. The two shared a lasting friendship that endured life's storms and seasons, and their respect for one another remained steady until the very end. He is also survived by his loving second mother, Katherine Johnson of Elkhart, who held a special place in his heart.

Toby leaves behind his children, each of whom carried his pride wherever they went: his son, Jamone Hodge of Indianapolis, and his daughters, Nakita Johnson and Lakeeya Spinks, also of Indianapolis. His siblings—brother Julius James of Elkhart and sisters Tonia (Terrance) Williams-Johnson, Veronica (Clyde) Donaldson, and Barbara Lynn (Blake) Miller, all of Elkhart—will forever cherish the steady love and laughter he brought into every family gathering.

To his 15 grandchildren, including Tajara and Jamone Hodge, Jr., Lorne Mitchell, Tra'Vieon Willis, and Ja'Corey Sanders, Grandpa Toby was a source of unwavering pride. He celebrated each milestone, each report card, each scribbled drawing—every accomplishment—like it was the greatest news he'd ever heard. His four great-grandchildren, and a wide, joyful circle of extended family, friends, and acquaintances, including his dear Auntie Sheila Lucas of Indianapolis, will carry forward his warmth and wisdom.

A visitation to honor Toby's life will take place at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elkhart on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. While no formal service will follow, the family is deeply grateful for the compassionate spiritual support offered by Pastor Danny Brown of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church during this time of sorrow.

Toby was a man who lived from the heart outward. He possessed a rare gift—the ability to be a spiritual safe harbor for souls weathering life's storms. When someone needed to talk, he gave them his full presence. When someone felt discouraged, he reached for the right words, always delivered with gentleness and honesty. He often encouraged others with the motto he lived by: "Always say what you mean, mean what you say, then stand on that." For Toby, faith wasn't just spoken—it was lived. He was a man of God, a man of integrity, and a man who found victory even in struggle. No setback could steal his spiritual joy.

Toby's love for people was matched only by his love for home and family. He especially adored the younger grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, proudly telling anyone who'd listen just how wonderful his family was. He had a way of lifting others up simply by believing in them out loud.

He found peace and pride in the simple pleasures: cultivating a vegetable garden, tending to his yard, and cooking meals that brought everyone to the table. His fried chicken, famous in the family and beyond, could quiet a room in an instant—mostly because everyone was too busy enjoying it to talk. His home often hummed with the soulful sounds of B.B. King and James Brown, music that spoke to him the way he spoke to others—straight from the heart.

Toby leaves behind a legacy of compassion, laughter, faith, and the kind of love that strengthens a family for generations. His presence will be missed, but the lessons he shared—about honesty, resilience, kindness, and standing firm in faith—will continue to guide those who knew him.

In his honor, may we each carry forward a little of the light he so freely shared.