Byron Johns II Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Byron Johns II, who left us on January 20th at the age of 30. Affectionately know as “Bud” because of his first sonogram/ultrasound picture, where his mom proclaimed he looks like a “Bud”!

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In a humorous twist of fate, Byron was almost born an Aussie. While his parents lived in Australia during the pregnancy, his mother decided to return to the US upon learning that he wouldn't have dual citizenship and couldn't become US President unless born on US soil.  His parents returned to the US where Byron “Bud” was born on October 9^th, 1994 in Cincinnati Ohio.  As their first born to say he was their pride and joy is an understatement.

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Byron was raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, attending Wootton High School and later Morehouse College where he pursued his interest in law, political science and psychology, and received many awards for his scholastic achievements. Byron was an exceptional athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and soccer throughout his lifetime.  His passion for theater led him to perform in numerous productions with various acting troupes where he showcased his talent and love for the arts locally, nationally and internationally.

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Byron's involvement in various community and cultural activities was remarkable:

• Senior member of Rockville’s IMPACT Teen Performance troupe, performing nationally and internationally using his theatrical, leadership, and facilitation skills while exploring real world issues.  At the invitation of the Mayor of Pinneberg Germany, Byron and 11 members of his troupe raised funds and travelled to Germany for 2 weeks on a cultural exchange -living with German families and performing in various venues across the country.
• As an active member of the FINEST Youth Performance Troupe, a multicultural youth performance group of actors, dancers and steppers performing plays and appearing in area parades and community events.  Byron performed in A CHANGE GON’ COME, the JUBILEE and The CAFÉ at the F Scott Fitzgerald Theater - original plays promote understanding of African American heroes, musical and poetic history.  
• He was a member of Musical Theatre Center’s Singular Sensation, the acclaimed pre-professional performing ensemble, which has a commitment to community service and entertaining audiences at charity events.
• He was a lead character in the Round House Theater production of The Giver, based on the Lois Lowry novel.
• Byron was a student attorney for SCHOOL COURT TV, a youth reality television (competition) show where he was assigned a case, organized and presented a defense argument before Judges and legal professionals.
• Byron studied TV production at Access Montgomery/ Montgomery County Public Television, where he produced several Public Service Announcements, including original pieces targeted to teens.
• Byron was proud to have had numerous appearances on Netflix’s “House of Cards” TV series.

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Very early on, Byron embraced his calling to be of service to others.

• In 2008 he traveled to San Luis Potosi, Mexico with a youth Christian group to live with and serve children in an orphanage.  He developed such a strong affection and appreciation for the children that he returned in 2010 to help with construction at the orphanage and to keep a promise to the children to remember them and continue to support them.  Combining his passion and involvement in elite travel soccer, he canvassed his teammates and community for donations and was able to take enough gear to outfit every child at the orphanage with soccer uniforms and equipment.
• He was a member of the People-to-People Student Ambassador Program and traveled to Australia representing the youth of this country.   During his 19 days of travel across Australia, and upon his return to the U.S., he engaged in numerous cultural exchanges and gave presentations to community organizations.
• He journeyed on a mission trip to South Africa, teaching children and adults English and Math, and touching the lives of many with his kindness, compassion, and great sense of humor.
• He served the elderly and children in a variety of service projects as a candidate for Confirmation at Our Lady of Mercy church.
• In 2008 & 2010, Byron was involved with the National political process by participating as a volunteer in the Presidential election process through the Future Vote program where he served as a student election aide in Montgomery County.  He also participated in campaigning for a Presidential candidate
• Byron was a graduate of Jack and Jill of America where he participated in year-round civic & volunteer service activities for many years.
• Byron was the recipient of the City of Rockville’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award which was given to a student that exemplifies and promotes Dr. King’s ideals.

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Byron resettled in Los Angeles California and was abundantly involved within the recovery and volunteer communities who expressed how deeply and exceptionally grateful they are for the time spent with Byron and the relationships built with him. From his first moments within this community, it was apparent beyond a shadow of a doubt that Byron had a heart and spirit geared towards helping others and being of service. Byron would instantly light up at the opportunity to sit with another, give them a smile, share a meal, laugh and tell stories. Byron had the unique ability to make a person feel as though they were the most important person in the room, which is why so many flocked to his presence.

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His value wasn’t only from the way he made individuals feel but also the impact he wanted to leave on those who had less than he did. Byron was always first in line to volunteer at Skid Row outreaches to give haircuts to those in need, and subsequently make those people feel so special and seen along the way. 

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Byron, unwaveringly, made himself SEEN and KNOWN with everyone in L.A. who emphatically say that they are all the better for the time he was in their lives. In honor of Byron's spirit, they will continue to act in ways of service and show enthusiasm in their connections with others.

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Byron was known for his huge personality, kindness, keen sense of humor and adventurous spirit.  Anyone blessed to know Byron has many stories to share about his awesome comedic antics, whether impersonating his coaches, teachers, or family members.

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Byron leaves behind a loving family: his parents, Lynn and Byron Johns; his sister, Schuylar; his aunts and uncles, Stephen and Bonnie Johns, and Kim and Kecia Voorhees; his first cousins, Jason (Kim) and Brandon (Sheena) Johns, Lisa Ramos, and Eddie and Chase Voorhees; his second cousins, Nia, Ethan, Jayden, Emmy, and Brandon Jr., along with many extended family members and friends.  Words cannot describe how deeply Byron will be missed.

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Byron's legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family and community will forever be remembered. May he rest in peace.