Taye Johnson

Taye was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 19, 2006 and tragically ended his life at the age of 15 on January 9, 2022.
Taye was a kind, gentle, good-hearted young man. He loved to build, growing from typical kids Lego sets to complex, large projects: most recently a Lego guitar and amplifier, and a TV with moving Super Mario pictures. He took up an engineering class at Milan High School where he 3D printed cubes, built bridges, and worked to understand how things worked. He wanted to pursue trade school after high school, with hopes of understanding electricity or the culinary arts. He joined the drama club at his high school and was so proud of his work in set design, looking forward to another play this Spring. He loved to camp and spend time up north, where he visited family, explored the lakes, and jet-ski'd to his heart's content. He had fun antiquing, trying to find something different to add to his collection of 1950's tins and containers. Taye was a proud older brother and loved his siblings, always considering what they might like or what they needed. He was a treasured son, quick to give a hug when he thought one of his parents or a loved one could use it or he just wanted to show he cared. He loved playing cards with his mom, ping-pong with his dad, and video games with his friends. He was bright, thoughtful, and genuine.
Taye is survived by his parents, Michelle Wineland and Kevin and Anna Johnson; brother, Asher; sister, Piper; grandparents, Dalene and Gene Johnson and John and Karen Dunlap; aunts and uncles, Dena and Nick McGuire, Cory and Shaina Johnson, Jackie and Matt Pearson, Steven and Lauren Dunlap, and Michael Dunlap.
Taye will be loved forever by those who knew him. He was a light in our lives and is missed every moment. In lieu of flowers, Taye's family requests donations to be made to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in his honor.
A memorial gathering will be held at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. All are welcome to share their love for Taye, how he impacted our lives, and the ways we will treasure him forever.