Shepherd Dr. Manson B. Johnson II, the dynamic leader and teacher of Holman Street Baptist Church in Houston’s Third Ward, died on May 31, 2020 from complications of COVID-19.

For more than 40 years, the Shepherd Teacher was instrumental in pastoral ministry and community leadership that elevated Third Ward’s prominence politically and economically.

The church and its associated nonprofit, the South East Houston Community Development Corporation, Inc. (SEHCDC), own more than two dozen parcels in Third Ward.

At this time please keep our beautiful First Lady, his children, family, Holman Street Baptist Church family, and the entire Houston community in your prayers.

Pastor Johnson was passionate about the work he did at Holman Street Baptist Church, Texas Southern University, and for charitable causes in and around Third Ward,” a statement said.