DeJuan Michael Johnson

Born on May 16, 1973, in Dayton, Ohio, to Harold Johnson and Eva Browning, DeJuan's life journey was rooted deeply in love, resilience, faith, family, and connection. He was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents, especially his beloved grandmother, Arvella Harry C. Browning, whose love, guidance, and strength helped shape him into the man so many came to know and love.

DeJuan went to Jefferson City Schools and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1991. He also attended College for a short time. In 1998 DeJuan and Latonya Rodgers welcomed their first child, a daughter named Royalty. Not long after they welcomed two more children, another daughter Reality Johnson, and son Prophet Johnson.

In 2003, DeJuan met the loved of his life, Kia Adams-Johnson. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful marriage in August 2006. Together they relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where they built a life grounded in love, laughter, family, and partnership for nearly 23 years. Anyone who encountered them could see the depth of his love for Kia through both his words and his actions. She was truly his person, and he made certain she knew it every day.

A visionary by nature and an entrepreneur at heart, he became the Co-CEO of Tall Entertainment Music Productions along with longtime friend George Anderson III, who preceded him in death. He was the CEO of RRP Investments, a real estate investment company. He was also Co-Founder of Oui Love Frenchies LLC, along with his wife Kia Adams-Johnson. DeJuan was a man of ideas, ambition, creativity, and hustle - always finding ways to build, create, and support the people around him.

Sports were one of DeJuan's lifelong passions, especially basketball. His talent on the court earned him opportunities to play at the collegiate level and overseas. He played basketball into his 40's and made a lifetime of relationships. Some of his most treasured memories included living abroad in Belgium and France while his father played professional basketball. His dad was his idol. DeJuan became fluent in French and developed a deep appreciation for culture, travel, and life experiences beyond what he had known growing up.

A devoted sports fan, DeJuan loved the San Francisco 49ers and proudly rooted for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Yet above all, his favorite team was always whichever team his son Prophet was playing for. He is Prophet's biggest fan. His greatest dream was to see Prophet continue to thrive both on and off the basketball court, living a life full of purpose, success, and fulfillment.

DeJuan loved life deeply. He loved cars, especially "old school", and had a passion for buying, selling, and talking about them since he was a young man. He adored his dogs and cared for them lovingly from birth. He loved traveling with his wife, creating memories together, exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and simply enjoying life side-by-side.

DeJuan accepted Christ at the age 12 and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio. In 2006, he recommitted himself and was re-baptized at the Church of Christ in Dayton Ohio. Though his walk with church attendance ebbed and flowed throughout life, his relationship with God remained deeply connected, personal, strong, with sincere.

To know DeJuan was to love him. He was charismatic, funny, honest, protective, and authentic. He never met a stranger and had a unique gift for making people feel seen and valued. He believed deeply in family, connection, and community. He would learn your story, ask about your children, check on your people, and pur encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and truth into everyone around him. He loved good food, great desserts, meaningful conversations, and genuine people. His laughter was unforgettable, and his spirit was magnetic.