Bishop Walter Johnson Sr. was born in Marshall, Texas on May 17, 1948. He was the sixth child born to the parents of John T. Johnson Sr. and Fannie Lou Sanders Johnson. He attended public school in Harrison County. He attended high school in Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he received his diploma. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army. Following  a tour in 1968 in Vietnam, reenlisted in 1970 and honorably discharged in 1971.

He went to school for Law Enforcement and received his certification from American Truck Driving School in 1987. He then continued his education at El Centro College from 1990 to 1992.

Bishop Walter Johnson Sr. accepted Christ at an early age and later was faithful in Serving. Upon receiving his calling on November 4, 2001, he became the Pastor/Bishop at Grace and Mercy M.B.C. and served there for the last 16 years. With a thirst for God's Word, he entered the Bible Institute Seminary School, where he received his Bachelor Degree in 2011.

Bishop Walter Johnson Sr. was elevated to a Bishop on March 8, 2015.

Bishop Walter Johnson, Sr  is preceded by his father John T. Johnson Sr., mother Fannie Lou Sanders Johnson; sibling: Mary Waters, Thelma R. Coleman, James Louis Johnson, Elizabeth Hill, Randolph Johnson, Loretta Johnson Roach.

Bishop Walter Johnson Sr. leaves behind to    cherish his memories his wife Lois Johnson;     children: Lisa Levy (Keith), Katina Ortega, Michelle Hagg (Chad),  Tracey Johnson (Cass), Walter Johnson Jr., April Dixon, Latrice Minor, Nicole Johnson and Jermaine Johnson.  Sisters:  Martha McCray, Lorraine Evans—Torro and  Peggy Miller (Vincent)  Brothers:  John T. Johnson Jr. (Linda), Roger Johnson, Timothy Johnson (Patsy), Jessie R. Johnson and Edward C. Johnson (Joyce); Uncle William Sanders and a host of  other relatives and friends.