Joe Johnson, Sr., was born in Jennings, Louisiana and moved with his family to Lake Charles, Louisiana at the age of 12. Joe is a graduate of LaGrange Senior High and a 1990 graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas. He became a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director in 1991. Kelli is a graduate of DeRidder High School and is a licensed pre-need specialist. They opened Johnson & Brown Funeral Home on September 17, 2010.

Joe and his wife, Kelli Brown Johnson, live in Iowa, Louisiana and are active members in their community.