J'uan McKenzie

J'uan McKenzie’s life was sadly shortened on April 6, 2021 in Harlem Hospital, Harlem, New York.  J’uan was born in Brooklyn, NY in the early morning of March 7, 2002 at 7lbs 2oz to Jody McKenzie and Juan Castro at Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn, NY. His academic career started at the age of 16 months at Peoples Christian Daycare until the age of 4. As a young boy J'uan was made sure to be kept busy by his mother with various after-school activities like basketball and music programs where he played the trombone. It was in these various programs that J'uan established friendships with a group of brother's and sister's that he remained close with until his passing.

He was a beautiful baby boy who exhibited a big kind and loving heart from the time he was born and that big kind heart remained a part of his persona for the duration of his short life. This kind and loving heart that J'uan possessed, was also the reason he worked the jobs he did. At the age of 14 he worked with children at Graham Windham, and at the age of 15 The Children's Aide Society where he was a Peer Counselor. He loved working with children in all capacities. Up until his untimely death was employed at Edison Healthcare providing care for his mother. J'uan was a die-hard basketball fan and had the uncanny ability to tell you any player’s career stats. He was a respectful and hardworking young man that loved and cherished his family and friends and would always make sure to address persons and/or family with a Mr., Ms., cousin, auntie or uncle. He very rarely just called an adult by just their first name. He graduated from Essex Street Academy in June 2020 where he was an impactful and humble presence in the community.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Carl Norman Jr.; maternal grandmother, Roxanne Williams; paternal grandmother, Ana-Marie Vasquez and aunt, Margarita Castro.

J’uan is survived by his mother, Jody McKenzie; brothers, Michael McKenzie and Lawrence Stokes, sister, Jalisa McKenzie; aunt, Agnes McBeth; uncles, Johnny McKenzie and Leverne McKenzie; four nephews; three nieces and a host of other relatives and close friends.

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