Donald C. Johnson was born in Jersey City, NJ on January 27, 1935 and transitioned to the eternal on
April 27, 2024. Donald’s parents were Gatsie Holland and Sullivan Johnson Sr.. he was the youngest of
five brothers born into this union. Donald spent his early years in Holland, VA and attended the
Nansemond County Training School (class of ’53). He and his “BIG FIVE” buddies at the school would
often hold reunions in Holland, VA where they enjoyed chatting over great memories and dining at one
of their favorite local restaurants.
Upon migrating north to Jersey City, NJ as a youngster, Donald attended and graduated from Ferris High
School. Subsequently, he entered the armed forces and soon met the love of his life, Doretha Boone.
Given that Donald was always a sharp dresser, known to “drive in style” and always the perfect
gentleman, Doretha was smitten and they married in 1957.
Donald worked at Western Electric in Kearny, NJ for over 30 years and subsequently worked in IT for a
short while before later working at the Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment complex in Rutherford,
NJ. Upon retirement, Donald thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of his labor by attending various Super
Bowls and major sporting events.
As the years passed Donald decided to return to his roots in Holland, VA where he gave his life to Christ
and joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church where he served faithfully as an usher. Donald was always a gracious
host to his friends and family right us to his illness and ultimate transition to the eternal.
Donald was pre-deceased by his wife, Doretha, parents, Gatsie and Sullivan Johnson, brothers Sonny,
Sullivan, Theodore, and William, sisters Georgia Mae and Edith, as well as his two adorable dogs that he
cherished, “Vicki” and “Jackie”. Donald leaves behind a very dedicated sister-in-law, Brenda Boone, his god-daughter, Nayyir Payne, and a host special friends, cousins, nieces and nephews which are simply too lengthy to list. A viewing will be held 2-7 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2024 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.
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