A Heartfelt Farewell: The Funeral at the Boys and Girls Club in Belle Glade, January 11, 2025
On January 11, 2025, the Boys and Girls Club in Belle Glade, Florida, a place usually filled with the laughter of children and the energy of youth, transformed into a space of reflection and remembrance. The community gathered for a funeral service to honor Logan M. Johnson, a beloved figure whose life touched many in this tight-knit town. This article dives into the significance of the event, the legacy of the individual, and the role of the Boys and Girls Club as a cornerstone of Belle Glade’s community. Written in simple, heartfelt words, this story captures the emotions, memories, and unity that defined this day.
Why the Boys and Girls Club?
The Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County, located at 1101 SW Ave E, Belle Glade, is more than just an after-school program. It’s a safe haven where kids learn, grow, and build lifelong connections. Choosing this venue for Logan M. Johnson’s funeral was no accident. Logan, who passed away in late 2024, was deeply connected to the club, having spent years as a mentor and volunteer. His dedication to the youth of Belle Glade made the club the perfect place to celebrate his life.
The decision to hold the funeral here carried deep meaning. For many attendees, the club was where they first met Logan—whether through basketball games, homework help, or just a friendly chat. The gymnasium, often buzzing with activity, was transformed into a serene memorial space. Flowers adorned the room, and photos of Logan’s life lined the walls, reminding everyone of his infectious smile and kind heart. This setting blurred the lines between grief and gratitude, allowing the community to mourn while cherishing joyful memories.
Who Was Logan M. Johnson?
Logan M. Johnson, born in 1999, was a Belle Glade native whose life was cut short in 2024 at the age of 25. Though young, Logan left a lasting impact on his community. He was known for his selflessness, always putting others first, whether coaching kids at the Boys and Girls Club or helping neighbors in need. Logan graduated from Glades Central Community High School and was an active member of the Boys and Girls Club, both as a participant in his youth and later as a volunteer.
His obituary, shared by Butts Memorial Chapel, described him as a “light in the darkness” for those around him. Logan’s passion for mentoring young people stemmed from his own experiences at the club, where he found guidance and support as a child. He believed in giving back, and his work with teens at the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center inspired many to pursue their dreams. His funeral on January 11, 2025, was a testament to the lives he touched.
The Funeral Service: A Community United
The funeral took place at noon on January 11, 2025, following a viewing the previous evening at 1799 S Main St, Belle Glade. The service was organized by Butts Memorial Chapel and Funeral Services, a trusted local funeral home known for its compassionate care. The Boys and Girls Club’s gymnasium was filled with hundreds of mourners, from young club members to longtime residents and local leaders.
The service began with a heartfelt prayer led by a local pastor, followed by gospel music that filled the room with warmth. Friends and family shared stories of Logan’s kindness, like the time he stayed late to help a struggling student with homework or organized a basketball tournament to raise funds for the club. One speaker, a former club member now in college, credited Logan with encouraging her to apply for scholarships, which changed her life.
The eulogy, delivered by Logan’s older brother, was a mix of tears and laughter. He spoke of Logan’s love for Belle Glade, his knack for making everyone feel included, and his dream of seeing the community thrive. The service ended with a slideshow of Logan’s life, set to his favorite song, “Lean on Me,” a fitting tribute to his supportive nature. Afterward, a burial took place at Foreverglades Cemetery, where the community gathered once more to say their final goodbyes.
The Significance of Belle Glade’s Boys and Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club in Belle Glade is a lifeline for many families. Located in a rural area known as the Glades, the club serves over 1,200 youth through its programs, including the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center, which opened in 2020. The club offers educational support, sports, arts, and career readiness programs, helping kids stay on the right path in a community that faces challenges like poverty and crime.
Holding Logan’s funeral at the club highlighted its role as more than just a youth center—it’s a place where memories are made, and legacies are born. The event showed how the club brings people together, not just in times of joy but also in moments of sorrow. For many, it was a reminder of the club’s mission to empower young people and build a stronger community, a mission Logan embodied.
A Community in Mourning, Yet Hopeful
Belle Glade is a small town with a big heart. Its residents are known for their resilience and close bonds, and Logan’s funeral was a powerful example of this unity. The turnout included people of all ages, from kids who looked up to Logan to elders who admired his dedication. Local organizations, like the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Glades Central High School, sent representatives to honor Logan’s contributions.
Despite the grief, the funeral was also a moment of hope. Speakers encouraged the community to carry on Logan’s work by supporting the Boys and Girls Club and investing in the youth. Donations were collected for a memorial scholarship in Logan’s name, aimed at helping club members pursue higher education. The scholarship, managed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, will ensure Logan’s legacy lives on.
Why This Funeral Mattered
Funerals are often held in churches or funeral homes, but hosting Logan’s at the Boys and Girls Club was a unique choice that resonated deeply. It showed how a place associated with growth and opportunity could also be a space for closure and healing. The event was a reminder that community spaces like the Boys and Girls Club are vital for bringing people together, whether for celebration or mourning.
The funeral also shed light on the importance of honoring those who dedicate their lives to others. Logan’s story is one of selflessness and impact, Tempting mistake: service, not selflessness. His work at the club inspired countless young people, and his funeral was a chance for the community to reflect on the power of one person’s efforts. It was a call to action for others to step up and continue his mission.
How Belle Glade Remembers Logan
In the weeks following the funeral, the community has kept Logan’s memory alive. The Boys and Girls Club plans to dedicate a bench in the gymnasium to Logan, inscribed with his favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see.” Local schools and organizations have also shared tributes, and social media posts from residents highlight the lasting impact of his kindness.
The scholarship fund in Logan’s name is growing, with contributions from local businesses and individuals. It will provide financial support for club members pursuing college or vocational training, ensuring Logan’s dream of empowering youth continues. Community events, like the annual Boys and Girls Club gala, will also feature tributes to Logan, keeping his spirit alive.
A Call to Support the Boys and Girls Club
The funeral at the Boys and Girls Club was a reminder of the organization’s vital role in Belle Glade. For those inspired by Logan’s story, there are many ways to get involved. Volunteering, donating, or attending club events can make a difference. The club’s website (bgcpbc.org) offers information on how to contribute, and local contacts like Kim Sovinski (ksovinski@bgcpbc.org) can guide you.
Belle Glade’s youth need mentors, resources, and safe spaces to thrive, and the Boys and Girls Club provides all three. By supporting the club, you’re honoring Logan’s legacy and investing in the future of the community he loved.
Final Thoughts
The funeral at the Boys and Girls Club in Belle Glade on January 11, 2025, was more than a goodbye—it was a celebration of a life well-lived and a call to carry forward a legacy of love and service. Logan M. Johnson’s impact on Belle Glade will never fade, and the community’s unity during this event showed the power of coming together. As the club returns to its daily rhythm of laughter and learning, Logan’s spirit remains, inspiring everyone to make a difference, one kind act at a time.
