Kayla Faith Johnston

June 6, 2003 – January 29, 2021

Kayla Faith Johnston, 17, abruptly earned her angel wings on Friday, January 29, 2021. She was born in Spring Hill, Florida on June 6, 2003. Kayla was a senior at Nature Coast Technical High School and intended to pursue a major in Information Technology/Networking at Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.

Kayla’s favorite sport and passion was soccer. Aka Shotput began playing recreational soccer at the age of five with the First Hernando Youth Soccer Club and became a competitive player at the age of 11 for the club’s Hernando Heat through U-16 Girls. She continued her competitive skills with Florida Premier Futbol Club as an Elite 1 player through U-18 Girls. Kayla played Varsity soccer at Nature Coast Technical High School as a starter for the Sharks since her freshman year as a center back. Throughout her Varsity career, she received numerous awards, including Player of the Game and Defender of the Year. Kayla also participated in track and field, running in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100 meter relay. She was awarded District Girls 3rd Place in the 200-meter category as an 8th grader at Powell Middle School.

Kayla was a member of Spring Life Church, where she grew up singing in the children’s choir, performing in special events, learning to play the piano, and serving as an acolyte on Sundays when not at a soccer tournament. She always took time to say hello, share her infectious smile, and give hugs to fellow parishioners.

Kayla wholeheartedly loved her family and friends, as well as her first boyfriend and love of her life, Angel. She enjoyed spending time with him binge watching movies and eating Popeyes, long drives in the car with her Dad, trips to the beach with her Mom, sleepovers at her Grandmother and Uncle’s house just to spend time together, Friday night movies and dinner with Mom, Dad, Sister and Brother-in-law, trips to musicals, Disney on Ice, and looked forward to going to Disney and Universal Studios every chance she got. She always made time for her friends, spending many hours filled with laughter, deep conversations, and video games.

Kayla was a kind, brave, and selfless soul. An advocate for the people she knew and cared about. She was the voice of those who wanted to be heard but did not have the courage to speak up for themselves. She was a source of light for many, especially her peers.

Kayla is preceded in death by her grandparents, the late Rock Johnston, William Duenninger, and Rose Duenninger. She is survived by her parents, Herman Rock Johnston and Tina Rose Duenninger; sister Jenisa Melendez Schmeda (James); grandfather Ayrlton Gonzalez; grandmother Joan Johnston; uncles Garth Johnston, Daniel Martinez, Noel Martinez; aunts Ann Marie Mierez, Kier Rodas; and numerous cousins.