Dr. Mark Tait Johnson

Mark Johnson April 13,1955- March 6, 2024 Mark was born along with his beloved twin sister Cheryl on April 13, 1955, in Denver, Colorado. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lucille Johnson, who adopted them on August 4th, 1955. Mark is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Victoria (Vickie) Johnson, sister Cheryl Meyer and husband Richard (Dick) Meyer, brother-in-law Bruce Beasley, six nieces and nephews and five great-nieces. He also leaves behind his cherished rescue “pup” Olivia. Mark and Vickie met in junior high school in Richmond, Virginia and started dating senior year and throughout their college years. He graduated from Barton College with a business degree in 1977, and he and Vickie married several months later. He and Vickie moved to Marietta, Georgia, a year later where Vickie started her career as a dental hygienist, and Mark worked as a manager of Back Door Stereo, a high-end audio store in Atlanta. Audio was his passion and he was an active member in the Atlanta Audio Society. From there he worked with the Red Cross and then as a claims agent with Allstate. In his late forties he decided to pursue a degree in chiropractic. He started that leg of his journey at Life College in Atlanta and then transferred to Parker University, earning his degree in 2009. Failing health led to a Parkinson’s diagnosis. He and Vickie enjoyed the hours spent with the Parkinson’s boxing group at Tribe Wellness, run by physical therapist Michael Braitsch. Mark also worked with PT and OT in the home for years to maintain his abilities, but with increasing falls and failing vision it was apparent something else was going on. It was at that point that his diagnosis was revised from Parkinson’s to PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) a rare movement disorder. He faced each of his mounting challenges with grace and determination. Besides his love of audio and prior to becoming housebound, he spent time at the gym and was a runner completing several marathons with wife Vickie. They were both members of the Atlanta Track Club and Chattahoochee Road Runners. He also loved travel and especially trips to Colorado, his birth state. Especially dear to his heart were the hours he spent with Vickie at the local animal shelter. Many wonderful friendships were founded during that special time. One of his favorite memories was an adoption event for the shelter Straydog Christmas of 2017. Mark sat in the Neiman Marcus window with a passel of puppies, to the delight of all who passed. He led a life filled with deep friendships, always taking the time and effort to stay connected, to offer others support in their challenges, and share in their celebrations. He was forgiving by nature and always saw the best in others. His integrity, gentle ways and infectious laugh will remain in our hearts. Special thanks to all our caring neighbors and friends, who availed themselves day or night with any emergency call. In the years prior to transitioning to hospice, he was receiving twice weekly visits by his physical therapist Michael, and occupational therapist Jennifer. Their efforts helped delay his loss of activities of daily living. The laughs we both shared with them kept Mark’s spirits high and his outlook hopeful. Special thanks to friend Anna Parkins who assisted us in many ways, and to our wonderful team at Legacy Hospice who helped make his final year as peaceful and comfortable as possible: nurse Jenny, caregiver Tina, social worker Heather, Chaplain Holly, and special friend and volunteer Josh. Also, thanks to Ileen McFarland who works tirelessly as facilitator to the PSP support group. Much important information was shared in a caring and safe forum by group members. A Celebration of Life service will be planned for a future date. If you wish to honor Mark’s memory, please consider a contribution to curepsp.org or to straydog.org, a wonderful shelter/sanctuary whose mission he embraced.

Dr. Mark Tait Johnson

April 13, 1955 - March 6, 2024