China Star Spratling

questions before you helped, but you would help. I remember when I was 16 and started to gain weight. You pulled up in your truck with boxes of SlimFast, and you said, “This is for you China, go put it in the house.” Now that might sound mean, but I knew you were a man of substance and action who just wanted the best for me because you loved me. I remember I did lose some weight that year.

I remember when my daughter Alexzandra and I moved to Nevada, and you called me every week to make sure I was okay. When I returned to Pasadena, you were always at the house to water the grass and manicure the yard. While doing so, you spent precious time with my daughter whom you allowed to talk nonstop as if what she was saying was as important as listening to the President of the United States.

Again, you never stopped checking on me to make sure I was okay when I moved into my apartment. I remained important to you, and you would stop by once or twice a month and just check on me. I always felt special because all the neighbors knew you, and during COVID you made sure all the neighbors had N19 masks. Not only did you love me, but also you loved the community and you wanted everyone to be safe. What a man, what a mighty good MAN – my uncle Johnny!

Uncle Johnny, a man of substance. He is a man Of change, justice, and action. He is the thunder before the rain, and the rainbow after the storm. My uncle whom I love so much taught me how to be strong, that life is what you make it, and that you are the captain of your ship. I love you Uncle Johnny. Peace in your eternal easy space. May you rest easy in grace and love. Rest easy in sleep eternal. Rest easy on the wings of eternity.

Shanica Robertson

Dear Uncle Johnny, I am honored and grateful to have had you in my life. It was a privilege and honor to have been your niece. An uncle is a person who helps, advises, and encourages his siblings’ children, which you did for me. You always supported my family and me no matter what was happening, always attended all my most important “life events,” and always shared positive, loving words. I have to say sometimes your words were blunt and straight to the point, however I knew your words came from a place of love and concern. My heart aches when I think I will no longer be able to hear your voice, call to just chat with you, or receive biblical and encouraging messages. There have been many days when those messages would come on days when I needed encouragement the most and remind me that God was always in control of every situation.

Kevin and I thank you, Uncle Johnny, for being “You” and, most importantly, for being a role model who lived with purpose, dignity, and without limits.

With Love, Shanica and Kevin

Leilah Robertson

Dear Uncle Johnny, you were a loving uncle, brother, and friend. I was so proud of you the times I got to see you serve the community.

Love, Leilah

Shantell Marie Kennedy and Jaxon Michael Taylor

Uncle John was a Giant to me, and I was proud to be his niece. When he spoke, I heard a roaring lion or a sweet lullaby. He didn’t waste time with small talk unless it was necessary. As I share this, I realize he appeared bigger than life because he stood on the word of God. That is the secret!

I read the most honorable thing a person could do is serve others. I also read that one of the keys to success is serving your way to the top. John was a leader who served others. He listened to the desires of those he led. We trusted him because of his consistency and his commitment.

I respect his commitment to his family, friends, and community. I respect the pavement he carved with great effort, intention, and tenacity.

I will miss our lunch dates at Houston’s and Bossa Nova where we shared many laughs. My daily texts messages of encouragement and scriptures will be keep close to my heart. I will miss him asking for advice on a topic I knew he’d only ask my father. I will miss his natural presence as a father. When naming my son, it was an honor to include my father’s and uncle’s names, Jaxon Michael Taylor.

My uncle John’s life is teaching me to take responsibility for the time I use and the space I occupy. That’s an adult. That’s purpose.

Uncle Johnny you are gone, yet we are here. We are still here. Our hearts ache in order to support you. We are always loving you; you were never alone.

His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:23

Rest in everlasting Power, the Honorable John J. Kennedy

As I watched my mother put this book together, I realized how much she genuinely loves her brother John Jackson Kennedy. The amount of strength, determination, and bigger than life perseverance to complete this book was humbling for me to witness. So, I started thinking to myself, why does Uncle Johnny deserve to get all this love? – not only in life, but also in death. Then a soft magnolia, southern drawn voice said to me, “Lena L. Kennedy loves her little brother unconditionally.” Then the tears began to fall from my eyes, and at that exact point, I said to myself, “I think my uncle was like a unicorn!” Then I started laughing. As I try to cope with the loss of my Uncle Johnny, in those moments