Mehki Shamar Johnson, a loving, kind, and intelligent young man, departed this life on June 27, 2026, at the age of 21. He was born on November 22, 2004, in Easton, Maryland to Sharlene Copes and Kayode “KO” Johnson. Mehki was a devoted son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.

While growing up, Mehki’s ambition, thirst for knowledge, and passion for learning led him to read books, conduct research, and gather information. He particularly loved math, numbers, and problem solving of any kind. Mehki was naturally gifted with an abundance of intelligence and as a result, he excelled academically and received many certificates, honors, and awards. His exceptional mathematical abilities earned him the affectionate nickname, the “Mathematician.” Additionally, he was recognized for his creative artwork. Some of his scholastic awards include but certainly are not limited to: Middle School Youth Achievement Program Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Middle School for Academics, U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin Certificate of Special Recognition, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen Citation as an AKA Middle School Salute Honoree. He was acknowledged by the Kennard Alumni Association, Inc. for “...scholastic excellence, citizenship, and willingness to help family, friends and community.” He was also inducted in the National Junior Honor Society. His scholastic excellence continued at Kent Island High School. He was awarded the High Honor Roll designation for academic year 2021-2022. In 2022, Mehki earned the National African American Recognition Award, receiving academic honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Program by maintaining a GPA of 3.3 or higher, excelling on the PSAT/NMSQT by scoring in the top 10% of his classmates, and earning a score of 3 or higher on two or more Advanced Placement exams. Mehki was a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, his junior and senior year. He was also a Student Board Member his senior year, being officially recognized on October 5, 2022, to represent Kent Island High School at Queen Anne’s County Public School’s Board of Education meetings.

As a hard worker, Mehki maintained employment while succeeding academically in school. Upon graduating with honors from Kent Island High School in 2023, he decided to join the Army National Guard and enlisted, on July 17, 2024. Prior to enlisting, he began to take interest in knowing God. While away in training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he gave his life to God. His grandmother, Enishia, provided the love, guidance and support that aided his commitment. While serving in the National Guard, it’s no surprise that he also succeeded in that realm. He received medals, awards, and made achievements such as the Army Achievement Medal during Annual Training by Captain Blake Thacker, successfully assuming the role of Team Leader as a PFC (Private First Class) during Annual Training where he led his fire team through Squad and Platoon Live-Fire Exercises. For his exemplary performance well above his rank, he was promoted to SPC (Specialist). He was one of the best performing Team Leaders in the Company and set the example for how an Infantry Team Leader should perform. His performance was also recognized by the Company Commander and Battalion Commander, and he was awarded a company and battalion coin, and responded to Operation Blur in January 2026 for Maryland. SPC Johnson was an Infantry Team Leader assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment of the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG). Upon his death, his status was M-Day Soldier.

Mehki’s leadership skills made him a great asset to the Adidas store at Prime Outlets, Queenstown, MD. Most recently, he was employed with District Lighting Group in Millersville, MD, where he excelled as their Bid Coordinator.

Mehki’s pride in his appearance, clothing, shoes, and everything he possessed was evident. He stayed “fresh” from head to toe, presenting himself respectfully and with class. Despite his quiet demeanor, he had a sense of humor and was fun-loving. He also found enjoyment in cooking and eating good food.

Throughout his life, even as a child, Mehki treasured spending time with his family and friends. He especially adored his siblings, to whom he was a great role model. Therefore, he leaves his love and memories with his parents: Sharlene and Kayode; his siblings: Trinity Johnson, Ke’Juan Johnson, Arneia Warrick, Xenia Johnson, Kaiyoni Johnson, Kaiyrie Johnson, Knowledge Barnes, and Pa’Ris Tomlinson; grandparents: Enishia Gray and Richard Copes, Sr., Joyce Burke, (Ray), and Archibald“Archie” Johnson Sr.; great-grandparents: Henrietta Gray and Rosilee Ringold; aunts and uncles: Jessica Wright, Michelle Wright (Phillip), Jacelyn Carter, Richard Copes, Jr., Archibald Johnson, Jr. (Shanan), Alfred “Sam” Floyd, and Mardae Floyd, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Mehki was preceded in death by his great-grandparents: Henry Gray, Myrtle Lee, and Rudolph Ringgold; his aunt, Ra’Shon Copes, and other loved ones.

Mehki’s affectionate smile, warm heart, enduring record of achievements, and legacy of love will be cherished by all who loved and knew him.