Juan Acosta III, lovingly known as “Johnny,” was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend whose kind heart, beautiful smile, and unforgettable sense of humor touched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Johnny was raised from the age of four by his stepfather, Anthony Martinez, alongside his mother, Lorena Martinez. Anthony was more than a stepfather to Johnny. He was the man who helped raise him, guide him, support him, and love him throughout the years. Their bond was built through a lifetime of shared experiences, memories, challenges, laughter, and love.
Johnny shared an incredibly close and special bond with his mother, Lorena. She was not only his mother, but one of the most important people in his life and someone he could always turn to. They shared a closeness that was deeply rooted in love, trust, and the countless moments they experienced together. Johnny loved his mom deeply, and their connection was something that could be felt by everyone around them. He cherished her, cared for her, and valued the time they spent together. Their bond was truly one of a kind, and the love they shared will remain a lasting part of both their lives.
Johnny was the beloved son of Juan Acosta Jr. and Lorena Martinez, and stepfather Anthony Martinez, husband of Lorena Martinez. He was also loved by his father’s wife, Fylesha Acosta.
From an early age, Johnny loved being active and being part of a team. At just three years old, he played T-ball, beginning a lifelong connection with sports. He later played basketball and football throughout middle school and high school and also played AAU basketball. Sports were an important part of his life, but even more important were the friendships, teamwork, and memories he created along the way.
Johnny had many talents and interests. He was a member of his school orchestra and played the cello, showing a creative and artistic side that was just as much a part of him as his love for sports. He also loved to draw and had a natural ability to express himself through his artwork.
Johnny graduated from Sheldon Early College High School in 2021. He was an intelligent, ambitious, and hardworking young man who was determined to build a future for himself. In 2024, he earned his Commercial Driver’s License, another accomplishment that reflected his determination and desire to succeed.
Those who knew Johnny will remember most of all the kind of person he was. He had a genuinely kind heart and was always willing to put other people before himself. He loved to be silly, make people laugh, and bring joy into the room. His beautiful smile could light up the faces of the people around him, and his laughter and sense of humor created memories that his family will treasure forever.
Johnny loved his hometown of Houston, Texas, and proudly supported its sports teams. He loved home-cooked Mexican meals and, perhaps most of all, he loved being surrounded by family.
Family meant everything to Johnny. He often spoke about how important it was for family to spend time together. He cherished those moments and understood that some of life’s most meaningful memories are made simply by being together. He loved his siblings deeply and always looked out for them, making sure they knew they were loved and supported.
Johnny is survived by his parents, Juan Acosta Jr. and Lorena Martinez; his stepfather, Anthony Martinez; and his father’s wife, Fylesha Acosta.
He leaves behind his beloved siblings, Alaina Martinez, Sandra Marie Acosta, Monica Martinez, and Juan Andres Acosta, who will forever carry his love and memories with them.
He is also survived by his loving aunts and uncles: Genaro and Veronica Murillo, Alfredo and Monica Cavazos, Jesse and Jett Avitia, Joe and Imelda Nava, and Reyna Avitia.
His extended family and loved ones include Genaro Murillo Jr. and Cynthia Cardenas, Cataleya Murillo, Isabel Murillo and Miguel Villaseñor, Miguel Villaseñor “Kikito,” Brianna Murillo, Ashley and Victor Suastes, Anthony Murillo, Mateo Suastes, Christopher Ramirez, Gabriella Ramirez, Evelynn Ramirez, Nathan Ramirez, Marissa Ramirez, Eliana Avitia, Ethan Avitia, Samuel Cavazos, Angelica Cavazos, Miah Gil, Janet Gil, and Aldo Latigo.
Johnny was also deeply loved by his grandparents, Sandra and Carlos Garcia, Gene and Maria Schoppa, and Jesus Daniel Avitia.
Johnny leaves behind so many wonderful memories: a little boy playing T-ball at three years old, a young man competing on basketball and football courts and playing AAU basketball, the sound of his cello, the drawings he created, his love for Houston, his enjoyment of a home-cooked Mexican meal, and, most of all, his ability to make the people around him laugh.
He leaves behind memories of family gatherings, conversations, laughter, silly moments, and the countless times he showed the people he loved that they mattered to him.
Johnny’s life may have been far too short, but the love he gave was not. His kindness, ambition, humor, creativity, beautiful smile, and devotion to his family will remain a part of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
He will be remembered not only for the things he accomplished, but for the person he was: a kind-hearted young man who loved deeply, worked hard, dreamed big, protected the people he loved, and believed that family should always make time for one another.
Johnny will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, in the stories they tell, in the laughter he left behind, and in the countless wonderful memories that will forever keep him close.
708 College Ave.
South Houston, Tx 77587
Thursday, October 1st
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday, October 2nd
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 3rd
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
INTERMENT
Rosewood Cemetery
Humble, TX
GT: 1:00 PM