Brent Edmonds Johnson

Mr. Brent E. Johnson, age 76, passed away peacefully in Powder Springs, GA on December 18, 2023. Mr. Johnson did not desire to have a service in remembrance of him, but the family is asking you to share memories or online tributes using this site. Condolences can be sent to care of: Jacye Johnson @ 4663 Hartwell Drive, Douglasville, GA 30135. Obituary Brent Edmonds Johnson was born on January 17, 1947, in Springfield, Mass. to the late Alvin W. Johnson and the late Matilda E. Johnson. As a child, Brent attended St. John's Congregational Church with his family and was very active in Little League sports. In addition, he loved attending Camp Atwater in Brookfield, Mass. during the summer. Academically, he attended Balliet Elementary School and Classical High School. After graduating from Classical High School in 1964, Brent attended Hampton Institute. He was a member of Omega Sigma Chi and graduated with a degree in Marketing. Upon graduation, he accepted a position with IBM in their Corporate Recruiting Department in East Fishkill, N.Y., while also serving in the US Air Force Reserve. He married Mary R. Boston, his college sweetheart from Richmond, Virginia in 1969. This marriage lasted for ten years, and their daughter Jacye A. Johnson was born in 1975. In 1973, Brent accepted a personnel management position with AT&T which prompted a move to Atlanta, Ga. Shortly thereafter, he earned a master’s degree in psychology at The University of West Georgia. With an enterprising spirit he helped launch Amtar, and later developed Nexus, Inc., and The Success Factor. He found his life’s work when he joined Clark Atlanta University’s Business School as the Assistant Dean and Director of the MBA Program. He was extremely passionate about helping students of color earn a graduate degree in business and worked diligently to not only recruit students but also recruit corporate donors for the program. He also developed a consortium of black MBA programs and was active in the National Black MBA Association. He was a member of iThrive Christian Church and helped to create a men’s fellowship monthly “Breakfast Club.” He loved music; taking annual trips with his “homeboys” from Springfield; remaining connected with friends from Hampton; and spending time with his family. Brent was preceded in death by his loving mother, Matilda E. Johnson; his father, Alvin W. Johnson; and his great aunt, Ruth Johnson. He is survived by his loving daughters, Jacye (Gerry Richardson) and Michelle Hodge (Roger); brothers, Dayle Johnson and Alvin W. Johnson, Jr.; grandchildren, Jaeda, Nseya, and Shagari; nieces, Porscha, and Nicole; cousins, other family, and friends to cherish his memory.