WMFD holds funeral for child, honorary firefighter

Citi Johnson laid to rest after battle with tumor

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

On a rainy tear-soaked day two Saturdays ago, the community gathered to bid a tearful farewell to a little boy who captured the hearts of so many in his short time on Earth. Antyciti Johnson, affectionately known as Citi, was laid to rest on February 1st, after losing his battle with an intestinal tumor at just three years and six months old.

The West Memphis Fire Department, who had bestowed upon Citi the title of honorary _re_ghter last year in May, honored their promise to give him a proper _reman’s funeral. The Color Guard was present, standing in solemn tribute to the young boy who had touched their lives in such a profound way. Citi was laid to rest in his astronaut uniform, a nod to his dreams of becoming both a _re_ghter and an astronaut one day. His tiny body was adorned with a real _reman’s helmet, a touching reminder of the hope and ambition that burned brightly within him.

Citi’s passion for all things space-related was evident to anyone who knew him. At just two years old, he could rattle off the names of all the planets in our solar system with ease. His love for Bluey, the popular kids’ show, and Disney characters brought joy and laughter into his life, even during the darkest of days.

His mother, Zykeria, lovingly recalls the radiant smile that graced Citi’s face whenever he was surrounded by his favorite things and says that it was often the source of her strength when times were at their toughest. She describes him as an energetic boy, wise beyond his years, always striving to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. His infectious laughter and boundless

See CITI, page A2

Citi with his mother, Zykeria Johnson.

Photo submitted CITI

From page A1

curiosity lit up the room wherever he went.

Citi’s passing came as a devastating blow to Zykeria, 23, who had been his constant source of love and support throughout his brave battle. She held him close as he peacefully slipped away in his sleep in his own bed at home, following a recent surgery to remove more of the tumor that had plagued his young body.

Despite her immense grief, Zykeria remains determined to keep Citi’s memory alive in a meaningful way. She plans to establish a scholarship in his name, as a tribute to his bright spirit and unwavering determination. Additionally, she intends to return to college to pursue a career as a radiologist, in the hopes of sparing other parents the agony of watching their child suffer as she did.

Chief Clay of the West Memphis Fire Department presented his mother with a plaque, similar to one given to all fallen firefighters which read, “”Our honorary firefighter whose dream it was to become a fireman but God had bigger plans for his life. Now Private Johnson rest easy, we will take it from here.”

As the rain fell softly upon Citi’s final resting place at the childhood church of his mother in Hughes, the echoes of tearful farewells and heartfelt goodbyes filled the air. The legacy of the brave little boy who dared to dream big lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Antyciti Johnson may have left this world far too soon, but his memory will forever shine brightly, like a star in the vast expanse of the night sky. Goodbye, sweet Citi, may your spirit soar among the stars you loved so dearly.

RIGHT:

Citi was described by everyone who knew him as “fun, energetic, and would never sit down.”

BELOW:

Citi was fascinated by firefighters and astronauts.

It looks like pilots should be added to the list too.

Photos submitted