Barrington W Johnston

Barrington Wilberforce Johnston passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on May 29, 1943, in Tydixon, Jamaica to parents Myrtle and James Johnston. His middle name Wilberforce was given to him by his father because he admired the British Parliamentarian William Wilberforce who fought for the abolishment of slavery. Barrington grew up in Tydixon with his parents and eight siblings. He earned his education in the public schools in Camper Down, St. Anne, Jamaica.

He moved to Chateau, Clarendon where he later met and married Valrey (Wallace) Johnston and built a meaningful life within the community. He is known for building Chateau’s first Baptist Church with his dad, James Johnston, where he attended and was a part of the ministry team, serving as an elder and a deacon. He later led the effort with his sister Marion Pertarb and uncle-in-law Clovis Wallace in advocating and securing funding for the first school built in Chateau. He oversaw every detail of the planning and played a pivotal role in building the school. He served on the advocacy team led by his sister Marion, where he helped secure funding for a new water infrastructure project for the district. During this time in Chateau, he also built his own home.

After several trips to the United States as an agricultural worker, he migrated there with his family, made possible by his sister Dorothy Vassell. He established a new life in Massachusetts where he participated actively in the church community and was employed by W.R. Grace & Co. Subsequently, he relocated to Florida with his first wife and son, Neil. Barrington worked as a construction manager for Silver Thatch until he retired. While in Florida, he joined the First Christian Church of Margate and served for many years as a deacon. After the passing of his first wife, he then met and married Patsy (Jules) Johnston. Barrington and Patsy continued to serve as dedicated members of First Christian Church. Barrington spent his life as a devoted Christian who lived his faith authentically and led by example.

Barrington also known as Barry, BJ, and Uncle Barry built a life grounded in integrity and devotion to his family and community. A man of few words and very quiet at family gatherings so much that the nieces and nephews would say “Uncle Barry say something.” To this day whenever the family gathers the first thing anyone would say is “Uncle Barry say something.” He was known for living by his words and keeping his promises. His actions spoke louder than any conversation, and those who knew him understood his love through his dedication and his presence.

Barry was known for his kindness, wonderful sense of humor, strength, generosity and for the ways in which he consistently helped others, made people laugh, and supported his family.

He dedicated his life to hard work, building a career in construction, and as an entrepreneur who built and repaired homes. He frequently worked with his wife, Patsy, whose interior drapery designs perfectly complemented his projects. He loved wrestling and could name all the wrestlers along with their counterparts. His hobbies included renovating his home, cultivating, and caring for his gardens, and fixing things with his many tools. He was also an excellent cook and would make some of the most delicious Jamaican dishes. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife Patsy, his biological children Marline Ogunjobi, Celia Johnston Blue, and Neil Johnston; Stepchildren Joy Watson, Michael Jules, Jacqueline Benard, Ian Jules; Grandchildren Caleb Ogunjobi, Paris Blue, Denneil Johnston, Neyila Johnston, Fayth Johnston, Eddison Pratts, Keyshia Davis, Andre Watson, Jamal Thomas, Mickey Tahlia Jules, Levi Jules, Jordan Jules, and Maya Jules;

Siblings Dorothy Vassell, Marion Pertarb, R. Johnny Johnston, Ivy May Forbes, Olive Robinson, Fayval Williams, Brenda Wright, and Wilston Johnston; one daughter-in-law, Shayila Johnston and two sons-in-law, Joseph Blue and Benjamin Ogunjobi; brothers-in-law Laurence Robinson, Milton Wright, and Leo Williams in addition to a host of loving nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. His parents, Myrtle and James Johnston preceded him in death.

We know that Barry had faith in the promise of Hebrews 11:10 “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” May his life be a constant reminder of the joy he brought, the courage and strength he showed and the dedication that he exemplified throughout his life. He led a life of service to God and others. Rest in peace God’s good and faithful servant.

Visitation will be held at First Christian Church, 1107 NW 66th Ave, Margate, FL 33063, US, on April 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, US, on April 18, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm.