Johnny Zolicoffer

Johnny was born March 28, 1977 in Chicago, Illinois to the proud parents Pastor Johnny
Beckworth and Evangelist Sheal Beckworth. Johnny was the third of five children, as his brother
Sherelle McDuffy preceded him in death. Johnny accepted Christ at an early age, and received
his spiritual upbringing at the Christ Way Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the
late Reverend Mother Consuella York, where he sang in the choir, and later became a member of
Outreach Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his father, Pastor Johnny
Beckworth.
Johnny received his education in the Chicago Public School system. He attended Ulysses
S. Grant Elementary School, and later went on to graduate from Richard T. Crane High School.
He also attended DeVry University, where he studied Computer Engineering.
Johnny was a pillar of strength for his parents, and big brother to his siblings. No matter
day or night, if you needed him, he was there. He had a genuine love for people, and enjoyed
planting big hugs and kisses. Being everybody’s rock so many people sought after him for his
genuine guidance, support and generosity.
Johnny had the biggest smile to accompany such an outgoing personality and big heart,
and he loved family. To him family wasn’t always blood relatives because his longtime friends
became family. He was known as “Uncle Johnny” or “Pops” to his nieces and nephews, and so
many children in the neighborhood. Whether spending time at the movies, the beach, a local
park, or hanging out in the neighborhood, his focus was to make sure the kids were always
happy and feeling loved. He spent majority of the time with his children. Johnny would line the
boys up outside and have them do push-ups, as we all know he loved to promote a healthy
lifestyle. He’d take all the girls shopping or downtown to places like the Buckingham Fountain,
just for a good time. Johnny was a true believer in living life and having fun, but he also believed
education and perseverance was just as important. He’s always promoted positivity and growth,
as he only wanted to see his family live the best life they could.
Johnny leaves to cherish his memories: Mother, Sheal Beckworth; Father, Johnny
Beckworth; (3) sons, Johnny Beckworth (Latrice Brown), Jacques Beckworth (Laquita Fleming),
Jaleel Zolicoffer (Tina Murray); (4) daughters, Johnisiya Zolicoffer (Denise Porter), Jaliyah
Porter-Zolicoffer (Regina Porter), Azare Whitehead-Zolicoffer (LaShay Cole), Jaliyah Zolicoffer
(Tina Murray); (4) Adopted children, Shemaiah, Robert, LaShay, Jarvion. (1) Sister, Michelle
Beckworth; (3) brothers, Demetrius Beckworth (Iesha), and Michael Zolicoffer, Jeremiah
Beckworth; girlfriend Tina Murray, and a host of host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other
relatives, family and friends.
 

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