Donell Lamarr Johnson Sr. was born at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, Illinois on August 7, 1968, to Clara Bell Johnson and James Wallace. Donell accepted Christ at a young age and attended Progressive Baptist Church in East Chicago Heights, Illinois with his family.  From his early years, Donell's calm and gentle spirit touched everyone around him.  His love for education and eagerness to always learn something new was obvious to all who knew him.

Donell attended Bloom Trail High School in Chicago Heights and graduated in 1986 from Hillcrest High School in Hazel Crest, Illinois.  Later in life he achieved his higher education goals through San Diego Miramar College, San Diego City College, and the University of Illinois.

Full of ambition, Donell left home to join the United States Marine Corp on September 3, 1986.  During his military service, Donell completed Air Traffic Control, Navigational Aids Tech, Basic Electricity and Electronics, and NCO Leadership School training courses.  Military honors of Rifle Marksman Badge, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal w/1 star. Donell received an honorable discharge on September 2, 1992.

Donell met Vivian Combs of El Centro, California in 1989, and was later married in 1994. To this union, two beautiful sons were born: Desalle L. Johnson (1993) and Donell (Donnie) L. Johnson Jr. (1998).

In 1992, Donell began his successful FAA career as a developmental Electronics Technician at Southern California TRACON, in San Diego, California.  He reached the journey level in 1996 and immediately set his eyes on obtaining a management position.  In preparation for that goal, he worked from November 1998 through July 2000 as an Airways Facilities Division Resource Management Specialist.  Through this assignment, he learned about the FAA's budget system, position management, and staffing and recruitment.  Donell's technical expertise and resource management knowledge primed him for the position of Supervisory Electronics Technician in July 2000 with the Pacific Desert Systems Management Office in San Diego.

In 2005, Donell paused his FAA career to pursue his music publishing entrepreneurial aspirations.  He partnered with Syntax Records and became the VP of "Quality Junk"; a publishing, licensing, and public relations corporation, with specific interests in developing artists in the San Diego area.  During this time, he also gave back to his community by providing a center for youth to develop their computer technology skills called "Urban Hang Suite".

Donell resumed his FAA career in 2008 as a Supervisory Airway Transportation Specialist, once again with his eyes on moving into larger leadership roles within his organization.  His intentional journey to reach his next FAA career goal included two temporary assignments, first as the Technical Support Officer at the National Operations Control Center in Warrenton, Virginia from December 2011 through July 2012, then as an Aviation Technical Systems Specialist in Ft. Worth, Texas from July 2012 through August 2013.

Donell's career development plan, as well as his hard work and dedication to maintaining the safest airspace system in the world, resulted in him achieving his greatest FAA milestone goal.  In September 2013, Donell became the Southern California Technical Operations Los Angeles District Manager, where he was responsible for personnel, air traffic equipment, and facility operations throughout Southern California and parts of Nevada and Arizona.  Donell's comprehensive leadership style, iconic creative solutions, and reputation for doing the right things for the right reasons will indeed be his FAA legacy.

After moving to Los Angeles, he united with Atherton Baptist Church in Hawthorne, California under Pastor Larry D. Weaver in 2017. Donell reconnected and developed a deeper relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Donell enjoyed movies, music, restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. His close relationship with his brother Darwin has been one of unwavering love and support.  Donell's priority has always been for the well-being of his sons.  Donell was extremely passionate about ensuring his sons felt loved and was dedicated to being a great role model for them to emulate.

During the evening of October 31, 2022, Donell was peacefully called home to be with the Lord with Desalle, Donnie and ex-wife Vivian close by his side.

Donell is preceded in death by his parents Clara Bell Johnson and James Wallace. Donell leaves behind to cherish his memory, sons Desalle L. Johnson of Virginia and Donell L. Johnson Jr. of California; brothers Darwin Johnson (Bernita) of Illinois and Derrick Johnson of Illinois; sisters Denise Moore (Tyrone) of Minnesota, Felicia Johnson of Indiana, and Tequilla Johnson of Illinois; Uncle James Johnson (Robbie) of Illinois, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and honorary family.