Tyrelle D. Johnson ’15 died on September 8, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
(The following was provided by Chatman-Harris Funeral Home East in September 10, 2025:)
Tyrelle D. Johnson ’15
Tyrelle D. Johnson, affectionately known as Ty, TJ, Son Son, and Relle, was born on July10, 1993, in Baltimore, MD, to the late Dennis Bae Johnson and Tanika Latrease Thompson. He departed this life unexpectedly on September 8, 2025, at the age of 32.
From a young age, Tyrelle’s bright spirit and boundless energy were evident. His education began at Brehms Lane Elementary School before attending Boys Latin for middle and high school. Tyrelle also attended an academic program at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Tyrelle proudly graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. Tyrelle was given the opportunity to study abroad and live with a family for a semester in Morocco. He learned Arabic and Spanish fluently.
Tyrelle excelled in everything he set his mind to whether it was karate, school plays, wrestling, football, lacrosse, dancing, and singing. His love for singing was undeniable. His voice and smile could light up any room that he entered, leaving joy and laughter in his wake. Tyrelle often charmed others with his signature sayings, “And that’s fine” and “You don’t get to do that,” ” MMMKKK,” “Chilee,” “Yes Gawd,” and “It’s Givin.” Tyrelle was definitely the life of the party.
Tyrelle was passionate about his community (Belair-Edison), and started a nonprofit summer camp KFX (Konqured Fear Exchange) for the inner-city children. His professional journey was as vibrant as his personality, serving in roles at City Hall with Cory McCray and Shannon Sneed, The League for People with Disabilities, Penske, Amazon, and a few other warehouse positions.
Grounded in faith at an early age, Tyrelle began his spiritual journey under Pastor Ralph D. White, where he sang on the choir, served on the usher board and played the tambourine.
Above all, Tyrelle loved his family deeply. He was the life of the party, always dancing and singing and showing that big, beautiful smile. To know him was to love him.
Tyrelle was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Bae Johnson, and his grandfather, Earl Thompson Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving mother, Tanika (Mark) Thompson-Dowling; grandmothers Theresa (second mom that played a vital role in his life) Thompson, and Loretta Johnson; siblings, Tyshea Thompson, Layla Thomas, Marilyn Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Shaniya Johnson, London Johnson, Dennis Johnson III, and Dennis Johnson; aunt/sisters, Tihesha Thompson, Tammy (Wayne) Patterson; aunts Nikki Johnson and Terry Moore; uncle Dontae Johnson; grandfather Dennis Johnson; great-grandmothers Dorothy Wooten and Freddie Mae Thompson; cousins Tamiyah and Dhayne Patterson, Kevin Leach, Aubrie Johnson, Kevin Thompson III, and King Thompson; special mentor Dan Spears; recovery sponsor Ronald Davis; and a host of extended family and friends who will forever hold Tyrelle in their hearts.