Brian Pastrana-Johnson of Winston-Salem, NC died on Sunday,
January 10, 2021. He was thirty-nine years old and had lived in West-Virginia,
Mexico, and across the state of North Carolina.
Brian held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Theatre Studies from
Lees-McRae College. He wrote, funded, directed and produced the play Mama
Know Best when he was still a student at Reynolds High School (class of 1999).
At the time of his passing, Brian was working on a sequel, entitled Lincoln
Avenue, and had plans to eventually cultivate an after-school theater program
for local middle and high schoolers. News of his death is sure to affect the scores of friends and associates
he made around the region. Ask any of these people and they will all tell you the same: to know Brian was to love Brian. He was a uniquely social person who instinctively knew how to connect to each and every person he met. Brian was a polyglot, or someone who spoke multiple languages. The ease with which he picked up speaking and writing skills (in Spanish, French, and Russian) is but one example of Brian's uncanny ability to find people where they were at and speak to them in a way they could understand.
His genius for language is but one aspect of his overall spirit. Brian
was charming, warm, funny and, most of all, adamantly himself. Over the past few years, Brian faced some hard times as he dealt with the realities of life. In spite of this, he never lost his concern for the wellbeing of others. Brian was a true Christian whose devotion to God was exhibited by his altruistic attentiveness to his fellow travelers. Even in the most precarious of times, Brian would have given his shirt or last dollar to either a friend or stranger in need. The world is at a loss without the abiding presence of Mr. Brian Johnson. His immense talents will be greatly missed and he is sure to be singing beautiful gospels in heaven. When the world lost Brian J it lost one of its tenderest souls and brightest stars. Brian was proceeded in death by his father Brian R. Johnson Sr.
Brian leaves behind to cherish his memory of his mother Shirley
George, stepfather Sam George and stepmother Jessie Johnson all of NC. Brian has five surviving siblings a sister Ebony Huckleberry (John) of VA, brothers Ryan Hayes, Tony Perry, Gregg George (Sia) and Geoff George all of NC. Three nieces Zarriah Brown, Harmony Lyles, Deonna Perry and a Nephew P.J Perry and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
A public viewing will held Friday, January 15, 2021 from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's A private funeral services will be held Saturday January 16, 2021. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.