Ian Johnson

To view the service via YouTube please use the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDsy3gf-iAM To view the service via Facebook please use the link below: https://www.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE Ian George Johnson was born November 14, 1957, in Trinidad, West Indies to Mr. George Brown and the late Ms. Cynthia Johnson. On July 3, 2023, Ian George Johnson (aka Spence) heard the call of God and peacefully entered His arms. He came to the United States in April of 1972, joining his father and stepmother residing in Brooklyn, NY. He attended primary school in Trinidad and later attended New York Public Schools. Ian set a foundation of love, protection, and presence in all his relationships. You did not have to see him or hear from him every day to know with certainty that if you needed him, he would be there. He was not the type to call ahead to say he would be visiting-he simply showed up. It always felt like perfect timing. He remained close to his family in Trinidad, visiting often and staying for extended periods of time. Everyone in his life felt like they had a special place in his heart-because they did. He was a great listener, and if you ever had any challenges, he had a way of making you believe that it was always going to work out. There was a peacefulness about Ian, which allowed him to communicate with nature; he grew plants and gardened easily. He could be known as “A Bird Whisperer.” He had in-depth knowledge of any kind of bird he came across. He would tell stories about his love of birds, which started when he was young in Trinidad. He even raised birds on a rooftop in Brooklyn, NY for years. We could go on and on about his many talents and interests in herbal medicine, healthy eating, silk screening, football, and music-particularly steel pan. He loved Carnivale and was a part of one of the founding bands-Pan Rebels responsible for J’ouvert in Brooklyn, NY. Ian was respected wherever he was, and it was most obvious to his younger siblings in New York-he guided and protected them even when he was not around. The generosity he had was felt in so many ways. Ian came to the U.S. from Trinidad at a tender age, and he persevered in creating a life for himself- learning trades, owning businesses, and applying natural talents. He held the position of master baker with The Florida Marlins baseball team, as well as New York’s famous Allan’s Bakery in Brooklyn. The most current position he held was with Toufayan Bakeries in Florida, where he was employed for 15 years and ultimately supervisor until present. He baked bread, bagels, and pastries, which he happily was able to share, weekly. One of which was his church home-Crown Church. He was actively involved in the church, being a part of the security team and serving in many capacities. He put God and Christ first-always. He would never miss his self-designated prayer time, and never failed to send out daily uplifting scriptures, to remind those he loved that they should always keep God first too. Ian was known by, “Spence or Spencer” which he gave to himself in his younger years after a ball player which he followed closely. Today- to this day, we all unanimously call him “Beloved.” While his passing has pierced our hearts in ways that do not seem repairable, we must continue to keep the best parts of Ian alive. We do this by staying close to one another, being generous with ourselves, and finding peace in God. Remember him in the early mornings, when the birds sing and in sweet sounds of the Steel Pan, and in the effortless way he just let things be. Ian was preceded in death by his mother, Ms. Cynthia Johnson and 2 brothers, Halivan Johnson and Keith Johnson. To cherish his memories he leaves behind his Father, Mr. George Brown, and Stepmother, Mrs. Monica Brown; Siblings: Ms. Ronda Superville of Henderson, North Carolina, Ms. Ingrid Johnson of Trinidad, West Indies, Ms. Sharon Derek of Trinidad, West Indies, Ms. Michelle Johnson of Trinidad West Indies; Ms. Antoinette Lawrence of Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Sherwin Brown, and Mrs. Angie Brown of Myrtle Beach, SC, Mr. Stephan Brown and Mrs. Diana Brown of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Nieces and Nephews: Unique Brown, Jasmine Brown, Shereef Brown, Kyle Brown, Shakim Brown, Ijana Farmer, Celena Lawrence, Sydney Brown, Tayton Brown, Jazmine Hammond, Donovan Brown, Keshen Johnson, Shannon Dereck, Sherwin Johnson, and a host of great nieces and nephews; Cousins: Aldwyn, Jerry, Melba and many more. Nephews: Barbara Depeza and Spencer Gordon. Ex-wife, Susan Campbell-Williams of Brooklyn, New York/Trinidad, West Indies. Friends: Deryck, Tyrone, Christopher, Brenda, Denyse.

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Ian Johnson

November 14, 1957 - July 3, 2023