De'Leon Johnson

Family will receive friends Thursday December 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at St. John AME, 770 Crosswoods Dr. Columbus, OH 43235. Interment: Glen Rest Memorial Estate.
De'Leon Lateef Johnson was born on May 30, 1980, in Columbus, Ohio, to his parents, Cheryl Johnson and Freddie V. Moyer, Sr.
At birth, De'Leon brought joy and light to everyone around him, especially his mother, Cheryl, with whom he shared a special bond. Cheryl was his constant advocate, offering unwavering support, love, and encouragement.
De'Leon accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul AME Church in Columbus, Ohio.
In elementary school, De'Leon's passion for physical fitness and athletics began to form. He excelled in Taekwondo and proudly earned the Presidential Fitness Award each year.
De'Leon attended Columbus Academy, where he excelled both academically and athletically. A bright student and a gifted three-sport athlete, he had a particular love for track & field. He was a state qualifier in the 100 and 400 meter races and was a member of the 4X400 relay team that won the Ohio Division III State Championship in 1997. De'Leon also played football and basketball during high school.
During college at Miami University, De'Leon continued his academic and athletic success. He won numerous accolades in track, including titles at the Miami Invitational, the Southern Ohio Cup in the 400 meter with a career best 47.55 clocking, and many placements in the MAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, as well as the Cincinnati and Butler Invitationals to name a few. He went on to graduate from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Farmer School of Business.
After college, De'Leon worked as a Territorial Sales Manager for the Phillip Morris, Heineken, and 5-hour Energy companies. Although De'Leon had many successful jobs, he yearned to begin his own business, which was a Johnson family trademark. This entrepreneurial spirit began when he worked in his grandparents' business-- Harold Johnson and Son Farm Market, throughout his formative years. A true entrepreneur at heart, De'Leon made the bold decision to leave the corporate world behind and pursue his dreams. He embarked on various ventures, which included owning a food truck called Juicy Rover, that served healthy organic juices and health foods and took him across the country. De'Leon embraced each journey with passion, enthusiasm, and commitment, always dancing to the beat of his own drum.
His friends affectionately called him "D," and they'll always remember him for his ability to connect with anyone he met-often asking interesting questions and providing heartfelt feedback. He had a genuine appreciation for life and new experiences.
De'Leon was also known for his kind, generous, and loving spirit, lighting up any room he entered. His infectious charm, gregariousness, witty sense of humor, and magnetic smile drew people in wherever he went.
While De'Leon shared his smile with many, it shone brightest when he was with his daughter, Niyama Joy Johnson, the true joy and love of his life.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harold Johnson; and his great-grandmother, Virginia Betton.
De'Leon leaves to cherish his precious memory his mother, Cheryl Johnson; his father, Freddie V. (Cordelia) Moyer, Sr.; grandmother, Rita Joyce Johnson; beloved daughter, Niyama Joy Johnson; his brother, Freddie V. (Annette) Moyer, Jr.; his uncle, Wes (Rossalyn) Johnson; his aunt, Asenath Johnson Simpson; many other family members and friends; and his loving canine companion, Adelaide.
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