Diamonte Ricardo Johnson, affectionately known as Tay, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to LeeCee Johnson and Courtney Thomas on June 5, 1999. He was such a blessing to the entire family.

He departed this earth on November 9, 2020. Diamonte with his huge heart and infectious smile has always been advanced and mature. He was riding from his mother's house in Walnut Hills to his grandmother's house in Evanston at the age of four. By the age of ten, Diamonte was driving his grandmother's van in her backyard. When he discovered his love for basketball, he would be outside playing; late nights, early mornings, rain or shine. "All I want to do is play basketball," were his infamous words. His grandmother would pick him up from Milford and drive him to Evanston Community Center after school so he could play. He attended basketball summer camps at Xavier University.

Diamonte was selfless, full of grace, pure of heart with a gentle touch. He always cared for his siblings and anyone close to him, he was a true "Big Brother", He made sure he attended every family function because family was very special to him. He greeted everyone with love, hugs, and a smile.

Diamonte loved traveling, warm weather, clear water, and sandy beaches were his favorites. He loved clothing and was very particular with the way his clothes fit. He wanted everything to match from head to toe. He loved muscle cars. His dream was to move to California and become a pilot. Diamonte was educated in the Milford Exempted Village School District where he played basketball, football, and received his High School Diploma in 2017. He was very smart and intelligent, some of his favorite subjects included Finance and Accounting; he was a wiz at math.

He accepted Christ in his life when he was baptized at New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Diamonte was a devoted son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and grandson. He was a Grandma's boy and had a special relationship with his aunts. Diamonte would often "pop-up" to check-in on his family without notice. He would often curl up in the bed with his grandmother or aunts to watch a movie or spend quality time.

Diamonte was proceeded in death by his grandfather,  Alfred Russell.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his parents, LeeCee Johnson and Courtney Thomas; his grandmothers, Carol Johnson and Una Thomas; grandfather, Norman Thomas; brother's, Piankhi Grimes Jr., John Crawford IV and Jaden Crawford; sisters, Kayla Johnson, Layia Johnson, Lariah Johnson, Carley Johnson, Honesty Johnson and Justice Johnson; half siblings, Yazweh Lattimore, Courtney Spears, Brianna Thomas, Tyre Yisreal and Steven Rush; Maternal Aunts CarolAnn Lee, Rhonda Johnson, Linette Ruffin, Danielle Johnson, LaNeak Johnson and Russheena Johnson; Maternal Uncles, James Johnson, Anthione Johnson and Carlos Johnson; Fraternal ..Aunt, Marcia Thomas; Fraternal Uncles, Wayne Thomas and Everton Thomas; Cousins, Walter Johnson, Santana Johnson, Tayla Johnson, Sokoni Hughes, Sontez Johnson, Adebesi Johnson, Babafemi Johnson, Pauline Hughes, Changa Johnson, Santwan Johnson, Don'Nek Patterson, Santana Johnson Jr., Norey Johnson, Ariaunna Johnson, Tyger Whittaker, Rhiaunna Johnson, Myaunna Johnson, Julieaunna Johnson, Maxx Whittaker, Carter Johnson and Chase.

Visitation is from 9:30 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, November 21, 2020, at the Bethel Baptist Church, 2712 Alms Place, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. The family has requested that no headbands or "R.I.P." shirts of any kind be worn to the service. The family is encouraging attendants to wear red, black and white. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/BethelChurchWalnutHills/videos/1700778266758588

Interment will follow at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

To share a memory of Diamonte or leave a special message for the Johnson family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Johnson family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.