01/14/2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Hiawatha Johnson Jr.
Hiawatha Johnson Jr., 69, of Lynchburg VA, departed this life Saturday January 10, 2026.
He was born on July 20, 1956 in Lynchburg Virginia to Hiawatha Johnson, Sr. and Jimmie (Cheatwood) Johnson.
He attended E.C. Glass Highschool and continued his education at Lynchburg College for two years.
A gifted vocalist, director, musician and magician, Hiawatha described himself as an “Entertainment Artist.” Praised by educators and admired by his peers, he was a performer, musician, lecturer, magic consultant, director, and producer. For over 35 years he served on the faculty of Randolph/Randolph-Macon Woman’s College as an artist and composer-in-residence for the Department of Dance. He was the founder and director of KTMA Arts, a national consortium of performing and visual artists founded in Lynchburg, VA. In 2007 he became the first full-time artist to receive Lynchburg's "The Mayor's Award of Excellence.”
In 1994 Hiawatha became the third African-American to appear on the cover of Genii Magazine, the longest running publication devoted to magic. In the 13-page profile, the author wrote, “He lives for this art–magic lies at the core of his being – and when he implores you to ‘Keep the Magic Alive,’ he means it.”
In 2015 the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M) presented Hiawatha with the distinguished National Council Presidential Citation. Founded in 1902, S.A.M. is the oldest fraternal magic organization in the world.
In his lifetime he contributed to multiple film credits including a feature in the 1998 PBS special, The Art of Magic, and the 2012 award winning film: Magic Camp, a documentary about Tannen's Magic Camp; the world's oldest and most prestigious institution for young magicians, where he taught and mentored for over 20 years.
He is survived by his three daughters, Kheayla (spouse Corry), Kindra (spouse McKenzy), and Meeka; three grandchildren, Tiahna, Omar Jr., Kaden; one great grandchild, Mateo; his three siblings, Kiarri, Twyla, and Vinzetta; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Hiawatha was preceded in death by his mother, Jimmie (Cheatwood) Johnson, and father Hiawatha, Sr.
The family is receiving friends from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, January 17,2026 at Community Funeral Home.
Community Funeral Home directing
