Byron Jerome Vann

Byron Jerome Vann took his first breath on August 4,1988. He brought great joy to his parents, Edgar and Shirl Vann in Longview, Texas. God was forever a presence in the home cultivating his Christian experience. Byron confessed Jesus at an early age as his Lord and Savior. He loved following his father to choir rehearsals and watching his mother play the piano began his love for music.

Inspired by the late Rev. Eddie Templeton, he allowed him to "play" at rehearsals and church service. Whatever created a beat for his ear, he used that as drums. At the tender age of six, he was gifted with his first set of drums. From that day on his musical talents grew, expanded and carried his dreams.

Byron attended Longview Public schools through elementary school and later attended Laurel High School when his family moved to Laurel Maryland.

Several people were inspirational and in leading guidance throughout Byron's musical talents and developmental growth. Including Rev. Hurte of Community Baptist Church, Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr. of First Baptist Church of Glenarden. Under the leadership of Minister of Music, Shirley Berkeley and Minister Stephen Hurd, Byron advanced his talent to play for a mega church and was even inspired by so many musicians such as Aaron Spears and Kevin Lemmons.

After several years in Maryland, the family moved to Atlanta, GA and Byron's talents continued with him picking up playing the keyboard which further led him to meeting and becoming friends with a host of people.

In addition to his music, Byron started driving over the road with his own trucking business for approximately 8 years. This was something he liked, however driving caused him to be away from home and the church for weeks at a time. Byron's heart and soul remained in the church.

Byron formed his own band "HEART & SOUL" and his sound production called BMajor Productions. While in Atlanta, Byron's musical collaborations flourished. He was able to work with many talented artists and musicians. This led to the opportunity of having a walk-on role in the movie DRUMLINE 2. He was honored and excited to meet the Duke of Duchess of Essex, here, Tyler Perry handpicked nine amazing singers and musicians for their child's baprism, where Tyler Perry was the Godfather. Byron had the time of his life.

He had the privilege of being the Music Director for several theatrical star plays and even mage ds presence known at every open mic, where he would get on the drums and keyboard. He also had studio sessions Jazzy Pha, the late Frankie Beverly, Jon Dewand, just to name a few. He met gospel artists: Yolanda Adams, Albertina Walker, Erica Campbell, Norman Hutchins and others. Prior to gaining his wings to be with the Lord, he served as Minister of Music at The Vine Outreach Ministries in Stone Mountain, GA. He was a lover of all genres of music, but his heart was truly rooted in Gospel choir songs and the groove of quartet music.

Byron will be welcomed at the heavenly gates by his grandparents, Isaiah and Mattie Tatum, Cleotha and Shirley Vann, and uncles Kenneth Vann and his namesake Byron Vann.

Family remaining to carry out Byron's memories is his father and mother of 37 years. Aunt Demetris Butler (Craig), Uncle Gary Johnson, Aunts Tanya Ransom (Kyran) and LaTrell Alexander (Anthony). Cousins: Shauna Butter Carter (Daniel, Kalani Butler, Briana Butler, Gary (Kip) Johnson, Demetrius Perry, LaMarious Henderson, Mercedies Henderson, Jada Henderson, Kest Ransom, Rodrick Vann and a host of many other cousins. He will be greatly missed by all including Special Friends: Al Smith, Trucking Buddies, DJ Tease, Crissy Collins.