Brooke Ronald Johnson

Brooke R. Johnson, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Watauga Medical
Center, surrounded by all of his children, following a brief period of declining health.
Brooke was born on October 14, 1934, in Canton, Georgia, to Claud and Carrie Johnson. He graduated
from Emory University with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and The University of Georgia where
he earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Psychology. While attending the University of Georgia, he met
the love of his life, Martha (Marty) Holcombe Johnson, who became his wife and lifelong partner.
After their marriage and graduation, Brooke and Marty moved their young family to Boone, North Carolina
in 1965, where Brooke continued his teaching career at Appalachian State Teacher’s College as well as
becoming the Director of the New River Mental Health Center. He served as director there for 25 years,
dedicating his career to improving mental health services across a five-county region.
Brooke and Marty enjoyed many adventures together while raising their five children. They loved traveling
the world and especially their nine years living in Hawaii where Brooke worked again in mental health
following retirement from New River Mental Health. He also had a passion for riding his Gold Wing
motorcycle and collecting antique cars. In recent years, the love of their grandchildren anchored Brooke
and Marty back in the mountains of North Carolina, where they cherished family and the beauty of their
surroundings.
In addition to his parents, Brooke was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marty Johnson,
and one brother.
He is survived by three sons, Ronnie Johnson and wife Jan, Charles Johnson and wife Caryn, Gordon
Johnson and wife Linn; two daughters, Leslie Cook and husband Herb, and Alison Johnson; nephew
Denson Hardgrove and wife Jackie; and niece Beth Holcombe. He is also survived by six grandchildren:
Will Johnson and wife Ali, Ian Johnson, Edward Johnson, Annie Linn Johnson Greene and husband
Fletcher, Taylor Cook Moring and husband Matt, and Sydney Cook; and great-granddaughter Carson
Moring, as well as three great-grandsons, Noah Johnson, Prince Johnson, and Luke Moring.
The family would like to extend a warm thank you to all of Brooke’s caretakers, with special thanks to Dr.
Goble, Nurse McKenzie, and the staff of Watauga Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion during
his brief illness.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Perkinsville
Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hebron Colony, 356 Old Turnpike Road, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

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