Byron Monte Stith Jr.

Byron Monte` Stith, Jr. was born on June 27, 1974 to Byron and Rose Stith of Richmond, Virginia. He accepted Christ at an early age at Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church of Richmond, where he was an usher and sang in the choir. Byron graduated from Varina High School in 1992, where he represented his High School in the Battle of the Brains and sat first chair cello in the school orchestra. He also played for the Junior Symphony of Richmond and sat first chair cello in the Spring Fling for the Junior Symphony of Richmond and sat first chair cello in the Spring Fling at James Madison University. Byron's musical talents also included the piano, of which he had recitals on Sundays at Virginia Union University. He spent his summers at the University of Virginia, participating in enrichment programs. Upon graduating, Byron received a full academic scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he majored in English and French. During his matriculation, he studied aboard in Paris through James Madison University International Studies Program. Upon graduating from the University of Virginia, he enrolled at the University of Miami Law School. It was during this time that he became ill. Instead of returning to law school, Byron decided to attend Piedmont Virginia Community College, where he earned a certificate in Human Services. He also worked as Peer Clinician for Virginia Supportive Housing. In this capacity, he assisted chronically homeless individuals diagnosed with mental illness and reoccurring disorders by implementing the housing first model of recovery-oriented services. Byron also was the outreach and advocacy coordinator of the Virginia Organization of Consumers Asserting Leadership (VOCAL). He then was appointed as a Disability Advocacy Specialist with the National Disability Rights Network, where he was responsible for providing training and technical assistance on outreach. He had extensive experience advocating on behalf of people with disabilities, including participation in Virginia's Supreme Court Commission on Mental Health Law Reform. He was a member of the PAIMI Council Commission for the Community Integration of People with Disabilities, Mental Health Planning Council, and the Coalition for Virginians with Mental Disabilities. Byron was considered a Hero in the Mental Health Community. Byron was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Louis Stith, Sr. Byron leaves to cherish: his parents, Byron Stith, Sr. and Rose Stith; his brother Bobby Stith and sister Rhonda Gonzalez. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Harvey, Sr. and Goldie Johnson; parental grandmother, Willa Stith; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; including the devoted, Fred Durant; and friends: including the devoted Lamorya Briggs.

Tributes

Byron Monte Stith Jr.

June 11, 1974 - June 11, 2019