Byril Eunice Johnson

Along with her twin sister Mavis, Byril Eunice Johnson was born on June 14, 1928 in Negril Jamaica, to parents Gabriel and Celeste Stone. Their mother passed away when the twins were about five years old. When they were nine, their father moved the family to Kingston where he remarried. In 1952, Byril gave birth to her first child, Rosemarie. She moved to London, England in 1954, looking for a better life and to join her sister who was pursuing a nursing degree. In those days, it was a 12-day trip by boat. In 1954, she got married to Webster Leslie Johnson, also known as Pops. The couple gave birth to their son Godfrey in 1955. During her time in England, Byril worked in a clothing manufacturing plant. The marriage ended in the late ‘60s.

In 1971, Byril moved to the Bronx, New York with Godfrey to be closer to her daughter and twin sister. In New York, she worked as a nursing assistant. She also gave her life to the lord, joining the First Baptist Church. In 1990, she moved with her sister and brother-in-law to Palm Coast, Florida. There, she was very active in the First Baptist Church. Byril took great care of her sister during her battle with cancer. Mavis lost the battle and passed away in 2006.

In 2016, at the age of 88, Byril moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida to be closer to her daughter and her family. She lived fairly independently in Century Village, going to doctors’ visits, grocery shopping and cleaning her apartment. Only cooking was off limits for her. She enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with her daughter, grandchildren, and son-in-law. It wasn’t until 2022, at age 93 that her health began to fail. Until her late ‘80s, she was a hard-working person and did her regular exercise routine daily.

Throughout her life, Byril was always well dressed and made sure her children were as well. While not formally educated, she was well versed in historical facts and Jeopardy was her favorite show. She was always fiercely independent and strong willed. At the same time, she was a very giving person, always willing to share with and assist others. Even with some dementia, she continued to serve her Lord and brought others along as well.

Byril is survived by her daughter Rosemarie Taylor, her nephew Roblyn Simeon, four grandchildren, Tamara and Marc Taylor, and Gabriel and Trevor Johnson, a great granddaughter Leilani Gaines, and a grandniece Misha Simeon. She also has six nieces and nephews from her sister Lala: Devon Myrie, Perditia, Patrick, Jeffrey, Melody, and Margo Cargill.

Byril died on May 22, 2025. She will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her caring and her Christian faith. May her soul rest in peace

A visitation for Byril will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317. A committal service will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens South, 2401 Davie Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317. A repast will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025, 2401 Davie Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33317.