The Edna Martin Christian Center is asking for your prayers as we mourn the tragic loss of Mr. Johnny Purchase, one of our Family Success Coaches. A dedicated professional whose commitment to community youth knew no bounds, our brother was one of the five victims of gun violence our City experienced on January 12.
The Edna Martin Christian Center is asking for your prayers as we mourn the tragic loss of Mr. Johnny Purchase, one of our Family Success Coaches. A dedicated professional whose commitment to community youth knew no bounds, our brother was one of the five victims of gun violence our City experienced on January 12.
As a beloved member of our EMCC family, Johnny embraced the mission of Edna Martin in the manner that we have deliberately and extensively employed since the beginning of the pandemic. That mission, to engender a vision of hope, is achieved through intensive community engagement and meeting our neighbors where they are, while we all grapple with the health and social crises that have converged as never before.
“Mr. Johnny,” as our youth and staff affectionately called him, embodied the type of leader our community sorely needs in this time of tremendous unrest. A soldier in a war against injustice and inequity, Johnny believed fervently in those he sought diligently to impact. Such truly committed frontline workers are too often scarce in supply. Losing one such stalwart advocate, whose passion permeated his approach, is an indescribable pain beyond measure. Our staff and our community feel blessed to have been privileged to call Johnny our colleague and friend. While our hearts are heavy with this terrible loss, we honor his impact through our unyielding commitment to achieve the mission through which we are linked. We thank our community for its prayers, support, and commitment to working with us in partnership as we continue Johnny's work toward true community renewal.
Johnny’s family wrote:
"On January 12, 2021, Mr. Johnny Purchase (JP) sadly lost his life serving the Martindale-Brightwood Community. Mr. Johnny was a Father, Grandfather, Brother, Family Member and Friend to so many and he was truly loved by us all. He was a valued person in our community and loved helping the youth in this City. Mr. Johnny was often known to literally “give people the shirt off of his back”. He did his work silently and diligently, and certainly made a difference in the lives that he touched. He will be mostly remembered for his “God Talks”, his style of dress (he was always sharply dressed especially for special occasions), his two-step dancing and more importantly for his smile. His smile and his energy was infectious!
"For those of you who do not know him, you will never know the loss that his family and the community is feeling at this time. There are many soldiers in the Army of the Lord who work to help their fellow man whether it is through deeds, actions, a kind word, a gentle hug or a smile. Johnny was truly a soldier who we can certainly say “Job well done, rest the in the Lord”.
"The family is asking for your continued prayers and privacy during this terrible time. We are also asking for anyone who has information regarding this crime to please contact the local authorities or Crime Stoppers. Let’s bring this person or persons to justice. Let’s support Johnny like he supported the community; we are just one tip or one phone call away from solving this crime. Having the courage to step up is a first step to help detectives solve this and other crimes across this city. This is a call to action!
"Peace and blessings to all! Please be kind to one another and love your loved ones. We never know when our last day on Earth will be. #JusticeforJohnny"
For those who would like to financially support the family at this difficult time, please donate to the Edna Martin Christian Center in care of the Johnny Purchase Memorial Fund.
Ever since EMCC staff member Johnny Purchase his murder on January 12, there has been an ongoing outpouring of accolades.