Hardy Johnson Jr.

HARDY JOHNSON, Jr., son of the late Hardy and Shirley Johnson, Sr. was born on May 20, 1956 in San Bernardino, CA. He was the oldest of four children in a happy household. He departed this life on Thursday, July 9, 2020.

Hardy was educated in the segregated San Bernardino Public School system of the 60s and 70s. Yet what he learned from his parents and growing up in the village community on Magnolia Ave would resonate within him for a lifetime – strive, be who you are, love God, love others, and love yourself. After graduating from San Bernardino High School, he wanted to expand his horizons, so he moved to the East Coast, where he attended Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. While there he majored in political science plus developed his love for acting and the performing arts. His usually shy and bashful personality transformed into an award worthy performance on stage. Hardy was often portrayed the lead in many noteworthy plays at Norfolk State. To sing, to dance, to perform was in his DNA. Wherever he went, church, club, community or family gathering, Trinidad and Tobago, Hardy could be found singing with the choir, presenting a solo, out on the dance floor, or reciting a soliloquy.

He always expressed an interest in being a part of making a change in the world, which led him to actively engage in student activities centered around African Studies and Civil Rights. As a result of learning more about African history and culture, he decided to expand his name to Ato Karanja Nyahuma, (which means brilliant prince who inspires by awe in his work and life). Ato, which he was commonly known as on the East Coast, became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc. and could often be found advocating for various student activities on campus.

During his studies at Norfolk State University, Ato met Sandra Mitchell, and in 1982, they were married. From this union one child, Kestaganer, was born. Although the marriage ended, the two of them continued to work together to raise their daughter.

Hardy began working at AT&T as a Sales Representative in Norfolk, VA. He quickly rose to the position of Manager for the company. In 1987, he was transferred to the Washington, DC area to manage a phone center store. He had a rapport, not only with his co-workers, but with the many customers who came into the store for service. He was able to anticipate the needs of his customers and was always there for support. During this time, Hardy (Ato) received several awards from the company, including several awards for top salesperson.

Outside of his talents at AT&T Hardy developed a true love for cooking. He could often be found at the grill preparing specialty items like jerk chicken, as well as many other Caribbean dishes. After many years of living on the East Coast, Ato decided to move back home to San Bernardino to help care for his parents. While assisting with the care of his parents, he met Mary Burnett, who was a faithful companion that was with him until his final days.

Hardy (Ato) was preceded in death by his parents, Hardy and Shirley Johnson, Sr., and his sister Vivian Marshall. His Pentecostal upbringing and conversion, inquisitive nature, and openness to the faith rooted in the motherland, gave him a wide-ranging view of God and the religious experience. Yet he retained a deep faith in God’s saving grace.

Hardy (Ato) leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Kestaganer Johnson; one brother, Steven D. Johnson; one sister Valadette Cheri Johnson, one sister-in-law, Marjorie Johnson; two nephews Steven D. Johnson II (Jennifer) and Talon Marshall; three nieces, Kacey and Stacey Michelle Johnson and Tiel Marshall; three great-nephews Steven D. Johnson III, Kyrie Marshall and Landon Butler; four great-nieces, Kaylah, Saraiya and Jordynn Johnson and Kaiah Marshall; several aunts and uncles; his companion Mary Burnett, and a host of other relatives and friends.