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Obituary For Dallas M. Johnson
Dallas M Johnson transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at Mulberry Creek Nursing Facility, Martinsville, VA.
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.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceWe are so sorry for the loss of Dallas. Dallas was a gentle giant who loved the education of children. Terry and I are saddened to hear of his passing. Dallas loved to call Terry while he was on duty just to chat about life and our kids.
Dallas and I grew up in Florence together. He was always upbeat and was very much up with the styles and considered to be " hip"!
We played football together and he escorted me down the football field to score a touchdown from a kickoff some 90 yards against Holy Cross high school.
Dallas and I performed in a singing group called the " Soul Injectors". He was a singer and I played guitar.
What a Man's Man he was!
RIP
Dr. Louis Baxter, Sr., MD
During his years in leadership in the Horry County Schools, Dr. Johnson was always a cheerful, kind man who could see the humor and communicate a lesson in every interaction. He was easy to listen to and love. So sorry for your loss way too soon for a giant of a man.
Love Dr. Johnson my first superintendent as a new principal at Page High School in Williamson County. What a wonderful man! He hired me in 2003 and when we won the national blue ribbon award in 2011 he came to the ceremony. I will never forget that hug of pride and excitement I felt telling him all the wonderful things that were going on at my school. I will miss him terribly! Andrea Anthony, Murfreesboro TN
Dr. Johnson hired me as a first-year teacher at Liberty High School in 1983 and had the confidence in me to keep me onboard after my teaching position was cut which led to a 33 year career in Bedford County Public Schools. I will always be grateful to him and send condolences to his family.
Such a wonderful individual we really respected and enjoyed having you at Liberty, RIP Sir. My condolences to your family ❤️🙏🏽
Dr Johnson was my principal at Liberty High School. He was a well respected man and treated everyone the same. Prayers for his family 🙏🏾
Dr Johnson was my high school principal at Liberty High School. He was a well respected man and treated everyone the same. Sending my condolences and prayers to his family 🙏🏾❤️
To the family of Dr. Dallas Johnson I was so saddened to hear of the home going of my Lynchburg College brother and friend. My fondest and last time we were together was over 43 years ago;when he honored me being a groomsman in my wedding. We still have those photos. May God bless.💞🙏🏽 Victor and Cynthia Wood
One a kind with a sharp kind, a kind heart and a witty tongue. Mentor, coach, sponsor, comedian and professional ish-talker. He will be missed but never forgotten!! Much love!
I've shared on Legacy.Com but this orange candle is for UVA-Lobe you Dr. J.
Willie and family, it is with a heavy heart that I express my condolences and prayers for you. DMJ was my best friend and I'm going to miss our conversations. He always greeted me as 'Janice Ruby Woodson Fowler'. RIH Dallas
He was a joy to be around. He motivated me. He encouraged me and gave me great advice while i was his caretaker. He will forever have a special place in my heart. Prayers to his family
Willie and family. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to the family and friends of Dallas. Know that my thoughts are with you at this time.
Allethia J. Ingram
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
