Obituary of Jerava D. Johnson

ROCHESTER - Jerava D. Johnson,36, of Rochester and native of Auburn, passed away peacefully Monday, June 29, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. Jerava was born in Auburn, NY, the son of Duane Johnson, Sr., and Veronica (Murray) Martin. Jerava was an enthusiastic learner of life who, with the time he had on this earth, lived his life to the fullest with his favorite quote “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He was a graduate of Auburn High School. He was employed by Wegmans for 20 years. Jerava was a minister of music and an avid NY Giants sports fan; but his greatest joy was spending time with his children. Blessed with a humble spirit, temperate demeanor, and giving heart; he forever touched all that knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Nicole (Brown) Johnson of Rochester, two children; Kyra Raye Johnson, Nathan Mekhi Johnson. Eight siblings; Phillip, Otis, Quentin, Duane, Duan, Duanna, Terrance, and Cutter. Niece Tirzah and nephew Elijah. Host of cousins. He was predeceased by his son Jeremiah Davion Johnson and nephew Azariah D. Johnson. Calling hours for family and friends will be Monday, July 6 from 11 am - 1pm; viewing at the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, 103 Fitch Avenue, Auburn, NY; Mask required for viewing. Private family only homecoming service following @ 1pm. Burial will be private in Fort Hill Cemetery. JERAVA’S LIFE JOURNEY by Phillip Burke Jerava Darvale Johnson, 36 of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 29, 2020 after a 2 ½ year long illness. A family man of quiet authority and humility. Jerava’s saga began on November 16, 1983 in Auburn, NY. A great-great-great-great nephew of the legendary civil rights Underground Railroad icon Harriet Tubman, his father’s side of the family have resided in Auburn since 1858. In Auburn, Jerava’s long documented activity in community and civic engagement began at a young age and continued throughout Auburn Enlarged City School District. He won The Principal’s Award and was frequently heralded for “demonstrating the qualities of a good citizen” for making the Good Citizen Honor Roll, received The Good Citizen Emblem and The District Jump Rope Contest. When presented The Promise Award presented by the NAACP Branch of Auburn, he was encouraged to “keep up his good work.” At the age of 5, a lifelong love affair with sports began. He played football, baseball, basketball and weightlifting. He absolutely LOVED the New York Giants and was an avid fan. He won numerous trophies throughout his sports career such as the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Auburn Indians Pop Warner Football, which honored him for “best demonstrating the qualities of athletic and academic excellence as well as leadership on and off the field.” He was the first African American in Auburn to receive this title. An alumnus of Auburn High School from the class of 2002, Jerava, then matriculated into Monroe Community College where he studied music. A musician before anything else, he played trombone during grade school. As he grew older, he took on playing drums and then the keyboard and bass joined in this musicianship skills. He was a founding member of The Miracle Boys where he mainly played organ. He played as a member of his group and as a soloist to churches in the upstate New York area and at national conventions. His first job was working for Meals on Wheels and then he worked at Wegmans for 20 years. He started off in their Helping Hands Division before working his way up in their Warehouse Division. Jerava was an enthusiastic learner of life who with the time he had on this earth lived his life to the fullest with his favorite quote “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When Ray entered a task, he committed himself to the task and became passionate and dedicated about it. This dedication was exemplified through his love for the gym-he was always working out. And always was at the gym. He invested himself in the art of cooking-Italian food specifically. He was married to Nicole Brown Johnson for 9 years. Being a father to his children Kyra and Nathan was something he considered as his greatest accomplishment.