Maks was an exceptional young man, a talented member of our ensemble, and a budding leader in our organization. He is gone from us far too soon.

Maksym John “Bubba” Johnson went to sing from the stars on June 5, 2024. Maks was kind, a leader and encourager, talented, and trustworthy. He had a wickedly dry sense of humor, and his heart was overfilled with empathy for others.

Maksym was born on October 19, 2005, in Manhattan, NY. He graduated with Honors from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA, where he was heavily involved in the music department. As a member of the Grenadier Band, Maks was a clarinet section leader, and played bass and alto clarinet in the concert band. He was also the bass section leader in the Choraliers and was a member of the A Capella Choir.

Singing was his first love, and he shared his beautiful voice outside of school as a member of the Lehigh Valley Chorale, The Bel Canto Youth Chorus, and the Bach Choir of Bethlehem. He pre-enlisted in the Air Force and hoped to attend basic training in the fall. Maks enjoyed the outdoors and spent his free time hiking and fishing. As a young child, Maks was in Boy Scout Troop 306, and he loved his time at Akelaland. Environmental issues were important to him. He cared deeply about marine life and conservation, particularly sharks.

Maksym is survived by his parents Michael and Jamie (Shiner) Johnson, his grandmother Bernice Shiner, and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Our reality is forever changed, but the love we feel will never fade.

If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or is in crisis, please dial *988. Maksym’s life is important, and so is yours.

Questions about the program? Email fellowship@lvchorale.org.