Jay, a beloved student-athlete at Zachary High School, was known for his bright smile, relentless determination, and passion for football. In December, doctors discovered a cancerous mass on his kidney—a devastating diagnosis that marked the beginning of a painful and brave journey for the Johnson family.
GoFundMe: Help support the family
From the moment of diagnosis, Jay fought with everything he had, enduring surgeries, treatments, and setbacks with incredible strength. His mother, Ashley Webb, remained by his side every step of the way, a pillar of love and support. She shared a deeply emotional message on Facebook following his passing:
“Jay….. Jay….. Jay. You really did your big one this time. These past few days have been the most painful of my life. My son, Jay, has transitioned to be with the Lord and nothing in this world could have prepared me for this kind of heartbreak. You were so brave. You pushed through pain with a strength most will never understand. May 9th, God called you home. And on that day, my heart shattered into a million little pieces.”
Jay’s battle ended just weeks after he returned home from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where doctors informed the family there were no further treatment options. Though exhausted, Jay held on to celebrate his mother’s birthday—one final act of love and strength.
Ashley, who became a mother at a young age, described her son as her heart, her hero, and the one who taught her what it meant to be a mom. “You made me into the mother I am today,” she wrote. “Though my heart is broken, I take comfort in knowing that you are no longer suffering. Heaven has truly gained an angel.”
Funeral arrangements for Je’Caryous Johnson have been announced. His family asks for continued prayers as they begin to navigate life without their beloved son, brother, and friend.
His mother told UWK that several people are asking how to help financially. She now has a GoFundMe, along with Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, & CashApp $webbashley35.
GoFundMe: Help Support the family
‘One day at a time’ | Zachary community rallies to support high school football player during health battle
ZACHARY — The Zachary community is rallying to support 17-year-old Je’Caryous Johnson, a standout football player at Zachary High School, as he faces a significant and unexpected health challenge.
Je’Caryous, admired for his resilience on the field, was diagnosed with a kidney condition in June after experiencing persistent lower back pain, initially thought to be a football injury. Further medical tests revealed a mass, leading to major surgery in December to remove one of his kidneys.
His fight continues as he now prepares to undergo chemotherapy.
His mother, Ashley Webb, is navigating both emotional and financial challenges while caring for Je’Caryous and her other children. She has had to take considerable time off work to focus on his recovery.
“We thought it was just a football injury. Then in December, he had a major surgery to have the kidney removed with the mass,” Webb said. “Now, we’re taking things one day at a time.”
The Zachary High Football team has been a pillar of support. In a heartfelt social media post, they urged the community to come together: “Please join us to support and help Je’Caryous Johnson tackle this battle!!”
To help alleviate the family’s financial burden, a jambalaya benefit event is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, from 1-4 p.m at the BREC Gym, 19550 Plank Road, in Zachary.
The event will feature food, fellowship, and fundraising to assist with medical bills and other expenses. Flyers are circulating, encouraging neighbors, friends, and local businesses to come out and show their support.
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