Dallas M. Johnson
08/12/1951 - 03/06/2022
Dallas was born on August 12, 1951, to Mervin R. Johnson and Beatrice Johnson in Camden, NJ.
Dallas graduated from Florence Township Memorial High School in 1969. While he was known for his high school success on both the gridiron and basketball courts, Dallas was also a standout student. His academic success led him to transition from his beloved Maplewood Homes Housing Projects to Lynchburg, Virginia where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1973 from Lynchburg College (University of Lynchburg). This was soon followed by a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, in 1974, from the school as well. Not long after, Dallas continued his academic journey earning his Doctor of Education from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA in 1978. While working to improve the school districts and communities in which he served, Dallas also attended the Superintendent’s Institute for Leadership at Columbia University in New York, NY, and Harvard Institute of Educational Leadership at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA earning certifications from each.
Dallas was known by all as a determined, outspoken, and appropriately stubborn man who gave 1000% in everything he did. Whether that be earning the title of Lynchburg College Ping Pong champ for years in a row or obtaining his Black Belt in Shotokan under the direction of Robert (Bob) Williams while in college in Lynchburg, he worked ceaselessly until he mastered a task. This mindset resulted in Dallas holding many leadership positions in school districts throughout the east coast and developing an educational assessment tool used throughout the United States. Dallas’ work history includes: Principal of Liberty High School- Bedford County Public Schools, Bedford, VA, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent – Danville City Public Schools, Danville, VA; Adjunct Professor, Department of Educational Leadership- University of Virginia, Charlotteville, VA; Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Support Services – Petersburg City Public Schools, Petersburg, VA; Division Chief for Program Support – Virginia Department of Education, Richmond, VA; Associate Superintendent for Administration – Horry County Public Schools, Conway, SC; Superintendent of Schools – Fauquier County Public Schools – Warrenton, VA; Superintendent of Schools – Williamson County Schools – Franklin, TN; National Director of Urban Education – Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), Portland OR; and CEO of Lead Differently, LLC – Sterling, VA. Dallas’ devotion to improving the teaching and learning experience for students of all grade levels knew no bounds. Throughout his career Dr. J (as he was often called) served as an instructor, motivational speaker, a teacher’s teacher, and mentor all, charging teachers and administrators to push the envelope and connect students to the notion of becoming their very best selves and that he would without question, be their advocate. Above all, Dallas was an incredible storyteller, entertaining anyone who would listen, and weaving lessons into anecdotes. Even in his final days before dementia took his voice, Dallas was known throughout his assisted living facility for his penchant for sharing memories from his New Jersey roots, pride in his children and grandchildren, and of course, love of pancakes!
Those left to cherish his memory include: his mother, Beatrice Houston of Durham, NC; his only son, Bryn Johnson of Chantilly, VA; three daughters, Brynae Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA and Lauren Wilson and Denni Johnson both of Fairfax, VA; sister, Maureen Johnson of Durham, NC; three brothers, Reggie Johnson of Port St. Lucy, FL, Brad Johnson of Shipman, VA, and Dean Johnson of Bloomington, IL; two ex-wives, Wilhelmina J. Niblett of Martinsville, VA, and Tanya C. Johnson of Fairfax, VA; his numerous grandchildren, great-grandson, brothers’ and sister’s in law, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held later this summer.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.