CANTON, Ga. — The NBA community is rallying around broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. and his family as he deals with the loss of his sister.
Christine Johnson died on Wednesday at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer.
“Christine was a beloved sister and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and warm spirit. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her,” her obituary read.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Johnson Jr.’s NBA on TNT co-workers offered their condolences to the Johnson family during Thursday night’s broadcast.
“He’s the family leader. You know, we’re a team around here. I feel sadness for Ernie and Cheryl and his entire family. I felt the same way when Kenny [Smith]’s mother passed away. I felt the same way when Shaq’s sister passed away,” Charles Barkley said. “Ernie is the leader of our family and our family leader is going through pain.”
“Like Chuck was saying, we’re brothers. We feel the hurt. When I got the text, it made me shed [a] tear,” Shaquille O’Neal said. “We’re definitely hurting for you Ernie. We love you.”
"Ernie is the leader of our family and our family leader is going through pain…”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 19, 2024
The Fellas send their love and condolences to the Johnson family, who mourns the lost of Ernie's sister, Christine Johnson. pic.twitter.com/ECYHQxCTnT
Visitation for Christine Johnson will be held on Jan. 4 in Roswell, followed by a memorial service.
“The family invites all who knew Christine to come and celebrate her life,” her obituary states.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Realtor killed after alleged DUI driver runs red light at 100 mph on Buford Highway
- Jaylen Brown responds after mother’s home broken into while Celtics were on the road
- Government shutdown looms as House rejects Trump-backed spending plan; what that means for services
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2024 Cox Media Group
