Edward Johnson

Edward Johnson was born and raised in Detroit, MI on April 20, 1976. He was born to his devoted mother, Deborah Johnson, and father, David Hamilton, who preceded him in death. At a very young age, Edward accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was affectionately known as “Ed” to many of his friends and family. Ed was an accomplished dancer, choreographer, entertainer, and educator.

Ed graduated from Cass Technical High School, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School. He began his dance training under the directorial ship of Dr. Victoria Holley-Foster Boyd as the Artistic Director of the Cass Technical High School Dance Company. During his senior year he received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts. He also had the opportunity to study at Philadanco under James Truitt, Kevin Malone, and Joan Myers-Brown, Founder/Director of Philadanco Dance Company. Ed received dance scholarships to attend Oakland University, Marygrove College, and Wayne State University and was a member of each of their dance companies.

As a professional dancer, Ed performed in the Walt Disney’s Pocahontas Summer Spectacular and the critically acclaimed production Black Nativity, starring Stephanie Mills, under the directorship of the world renowned George Faison. Throughout his career, Ed was a member of the following dance companies: Detroit City Dance Company, Jazz and Spirit Dance Company, Natural Locz Dance Company, and Body Rhythm Dance Theatre. As an educator and a choreographer, Ed taught dance at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, MBS Training Center, Detroit High School for the Performing Arts, Northern High School, and several neighborhood community centers.

Ed really enjoyed performing for audiences as an entertainer. Outside of his first passion, dance, he was what you’d consider a culinary artist. He had a very deep passion for cooking and eating. Ed was a jack of all trades and anything he decided to do, he always did it to the extreme.

Ed was also heavily involved in the community. He was a Certified Outreach Worker and provided peer mediation, counseling, and HIV testing to at-risk teens and adults through the following organizations: Horizons Project of Children Hospital, City of Detroit Health Department, and Men of Color Motivational Group.

Edward had a very special bond with his mother, Miss Debbie. They were truly best friends. Ed always confided in her as she was the one he vented to whenever he was mad at someone. And if you know Ed, that was often.

On April 8, 2013, God sent an angel down to guide Ed home. He made his transition at Sinai-Grace Hospital, located in Detroit, MI.

Edward leaves to cherish his memory, his loving mother, Deborah Johnson; sister, Erica Barham (Johnson); sister, Robin Hamilton; aunt, Jacqueline Lee, brother-in-law, Jor’el Barham; niece, Peyton Barham; niece, Keanna Hamilton, and a host of other family and friends.