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Mathew Daniel-Brent Johnson

Posted 2016-12-21 by mhenderson
Kingman Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ
>>> Published on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 <<<

Mathew Daniel-Brent Johnson, who was born September 27, 1994 in Lake
Havasu City and was raised in Kingman, was shot in an unwarranted
attack in Kingman on December 14 and died.

He was an enthusiastic student in his young years and though few
knew it, he was a gifted writer and story teller. He was a hard
worker when necessary, and found joy in reading, music, football and
friends. He loved skateboarding and won awards in BMX competitions.

He was nurtured and raised by three generations of women in homes
strong in values, structure and love.

Before Mathew was able to complete his high school education, he and
several other young people were caught in possession of marijuana.
That was the beginning of a journey in, not through, the Arizona
justice system.

He was sentenced to probation and community service and given a fine
that continued to grow. With no education, no work experience and no
employment, those fines and years of probation became a weight
around his ankle that would drown his hope and the vision he had of
himself as a successful adult.

Like too many young people we know in this community, his
insecurity, lack of self-esteem and despair led him to drugs. He and
his family sought help from every possible source but most were
dead-ends.

At 22, he was beginning to find himself, see a light and a way out
of the downward spiral. But a senseless, violent encounter ended his
life.

He is survived by his mother and father, grandmothers, grandfather,
great grandmother, a brother and sister, numerous aunts, uncles and
cousins who mourn his loss. He was preceded in death by his beloved
great grandmother, “Monga,” who welcomed him home with a warm hug
and, as she always joked, “a big spitty kiss!”

A memorial service will take place on Jan. 22 at VFW Post 10836 at
3036 John L. Ave., for family and close friends.




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