Kareem Johnson

1976 - 2020

Kareem Johnson
Deceased October 8, 2020, at the age of 43

Parents
Gloria and Johnny Johnson

Siblings
Jarret Johnson, Derek Johnson, Sean Royster, Anthony Royster, Christina Love, Edwin Benitez, Edy Benitez (deceased), Lynette Johnson, Johnny Johnson Jr.Brother and Sisters-in-laws Sheniqua Johnson, Terri Jones, Ronnie Nesby And a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends of whom he spoke of fondly.

Kareem Johnson, an ordained minister, musician, composer, singer, songwriter, poet, and all around entertainer died on October 8, 2020, at Charlotte Medical Center from heart failure. Born on November 5, 1976, he was the son of Gloria and Johnny Johnson. Kareem was born and lived his early adolescence in the Bronx, New York. It was here that he developed his love for basketball and music. He regularly could be found playing basketball for hours on end in the local playground. When he wasn’t playing basketball he was dancing with his brother and friends in local talent shows and block parties. He always possessed an abundant zeal and zest for life.
 
Kareem became paraplegic right before his 13th birthday in October of 1989. Even as he endured this difficult circumstance Kareem always demonstrated his appreciation for life. He also continued to enjoy his passions - music and basketball. Kareem moved to Akron, Ohio as a high school freshman where he graduated from Central-Hower High School. Upon graduation Kareem composed and produced countless songs. In addition, he became the opening act for a local entertainer. This was a brave and innovative act as there were no disabled, paraplegic performers that he was aware of. Regardless, Kareem embarked on this uncharted path.
In 1999 Kareem moved back to NYC where he continued to enjoy his passions - music and basketball. He continued to pursue his musical endeavors and he also began to play wheelchair basketball. Ultimately he would play with the “Rolling Knicks” - the NY Knicks’ wheelchair team for several years. It was also around this period in his life that he got back in touch with his spiritual roots as a Jehovah’s Witness. On January 25, 2003 he, along with his brother Jarret, was immersed in water baptism and became an ordained minister. As such he greatly valued evangelizing and teaching others about the Bible. He volunteered countless hours in these endeavors. Kareem gained increased responsibility in this regard when he was selected to become a Ministerial Servant. He enjoyed this privilege up until his death.
Kareem was a hard worker, fighter and never gave up. Recently, although fighting bouts of illness, Kareem completed an album, a video game conception, countless musical tracks intended for sale to the public all while he was enrolled in online classes. At the time of his death he was enrolled in his last semester working towards earning his degree in music production.
 
Kareem possessed so many admirable qualities. He was spiritual, patient, humble, modest, considerate, brave, wise, talented and had an extremely strong constitution. His family and friends will sorely miss his specialness.
He is survived by his mother Gloria Johnson of New York, N.Y., his father Johnny Johnson and Patricia Johnson of Midland, N.C., his brother Jarret Johnson of New York, N.Y., his brother Derek Johnson of Gastonia, N.C., his brother Sean Royster of Simpsonville, S.C., his brother Anthony Royster of Midland, N.C., his sister Christina Love of New York, N.Y., his brother Edwin Benitez of New York, N.Y., his sister Lynette Johnson of New York, N.Y., his brother Johnny Johnson Jr. of New York, N.Y., sister-in-laws Sheniqua Johnson (Derek Johnson), Terri Jones (Sean Royster), brother-in-law Ronnie Nesby (Christina Love), eight nephews, eight nieces, three great-nephews, five great-nieces, and countless aunts, uncles and cousins.
We the family would like to thank you very much for attending and supporting this day for Kareem Johnson. We know you all took out time from your busy schedules and we are truly appreciative. May Jehovah’s blessings and our love be with each and every one of you