23-year-old Julius Johnson-Rich. Courtesy of Office of Student Affairs.
Friends and family of the late Julius Johnson-Rich gathered together as they paid their respects to a fallen Rattler.
Julius Johnson-Rich, 23, passed August 31, 2015 after suffering a seizure, leading to cardiac arrest.
The memorial took place at First Baptist Church, followed by a candlelight vigil in Florida A&M University’s Grand Ballroom.
FAMU's Student Body President and University Trustee, Tonette Graham, opened the service with comforting words.
Friends and colleagues of Johnson-Rich shared memories that they will cherish forever.
The vigil was presided by Dean of The School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC), Dr. Ann W. Kimbrough.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. William E. Hudson, Jr. gave a prayer of comfort at the vigil.
Student Senate President, Derek Keaton led the lighting of the candles and gave a poem.
“Julius was a great spirit to be around and I will always remember that, “ said Keaton.
Jeffrey Jean-Baptiste, a fourth-year FAMU biology student, and one of three young men that were with Johnson-Rich at the time of the accident also gave a few words at the Vigil.
“One thing Julius always talked about was god, so I know he’s in a better place,” Baptiste said. “I'm going to continue to live for him.”
Jean-Baptiste was a close friend of Julius and is also heartbroken by the tragedy.
The office of Student Affairs gave the candle light vigil.
Dennis Wells, The uncle of the late Johnson-Rich ended the vigil with special words in remembrance of a “great young man.”
“A young man that questioned his purpose, was able to help other people walk in their purpose without him realizing he was fulfilling his. And that was the type of person Julius was,” Wells said.