Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Bridgeport and Ramble, Jamaica mourn the death of Justin, Janhiel Johnson who passed away on April 26, 2024. Justin was born to Denisha Shepherd and Orville Johnson at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Morant Bay, St Thomas, Jamaica.

Justin’s journey, though brief, was marked by an unwavering spirit of gratitude to God for minimizing the effects of his sickle cell disease and his love for conversation. He attended Central Dauphin High School, where he was a sophomore and was expected to graduate in 2026. His warm, jovial demeanor coupled with his trendy and clean style of dress allowed him to be admired by both teachers and peers. Justin did not show much interest in sporting activities but loved soccer, so hesigned up with his school’s football team in an effort to be selected.

From as early as infancy Justin lived with his father in Portmore, Jamaica. On his father’s migration to the USA in 2011 he was left in the care of Ms. Claudette O'brien, a family friend, who nurtured him until age twelve when he relocated to St Thomas, Jamaica to join his mother and grandmother. Justin attended Port Henderson Primary School in Portmore, St Catherine and Yallahs High School in St Thomas, Jamaica prior to migrating to join his father in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in January 2023.

From a young age, Justin showed an interest in engaging in conversations and was reasonably informed about current national and international affairs. His subtle, jovial and unassuming personality came to light during these conversations and caused him to be known and loved by many in the different communities in which he lived in Jamaica. He was also known for his kind heart, teasing smile and a know-it-all personality.

Justin's love for his dad was immeasurable and though living in Jamaica, they communicated daily and overtime developed an inseparable bond and both anticipated the time when they would live together again.

On April 26, 2024, as customary Justin and his dad communicated after school via telephone and it seemed as usual that all was well. However, when he subsequently telephoned him, he noticed there wasn’t any response, so he hurriedly left work and went home. Unfortunately, when he arrived home, he found him on the floor in an unresponsive position. Because of his irresponsiveness he called the relevant authority who responded speedily and took him to the hospital in Hershey, Harrisburg where he was later pronounced dead. This happened on April 26, four days before his seventeenth birthday.

Justin is survived by his loving parents, Denisha Shepherd and Orville Johnson; his sisters, Alisha and Talia; his brothers, Kimani and Jevaughn; his maternal grandparents, Arlette Mundy and Samuel Shepherd; his paternal grandmother, Verica Smith and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Compton Johnson.

Justin's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His life, though short, was admirable and a testament to the impact one individual can have on those around them. Rest in peace, dear Justin. Your memory will forever be a source of inspiration and joy to all who know you.

His life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in the Sanctuary of Capital Presbyterian Church, 1401 Cumberland Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and burial in the Family Cemetery in Ramble District, Jamaica.