Donnel Wesley Johnson, of Smyrna, DE, went to be with the Lord on Thursday October 5, 2023, at Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE. He was 46 years of age.

He was born in Newark, NJ on January 18, 1977, the son of Alvin D. and Lawon H. Johnson. Donnel attended Applegate Elementary School and Eisenhower Middle School, both in Freehold, NJ, and Freehold Regional High School and graduated from Shawnee High School in Medford, NJ. He played on the traveling soccer team and was a catcher on the All-star team in Freehold.

He earned associate degrees in Business Administration from Burlington County College, as well as a degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration from Camden County College in NJ. In addition, he earned several professional certificates as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide and restorative nursing assistant, and a certificate in computer technical support.

He was employed in various endeavors through the years in Contractor Management Services; a Convention Coordinator; an Information Technology Coordinator; Customer Service and Inside Sales Representative; a Quality Assurance Specialist; a Loss Prevention and Inventory Specialist; a Computer Assembly Contractor; and most recently, as a Surveillance Officer at Dover Downs. Donnel was also very proud to have achieved his CCDW and was very proud to get the Outstanding Volunteer Award from President Obama.

Donnel formerly lived in Somerset NJ, Williamsville, NY, Freehold, NJ, Medford, NJ, Fresno, CA, before moving to Smyrna.

He enjoyed various collectibles, watching soccer, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins, and was a skilled gamer who enjoyed time with his friends. He also enjoyed reading, swimming, tennis and football but stopped playing the game because he did not like hitting opposing team players. He also took an interest in world affairs and was an astute stock market investor.

He will be remembered for his love of people and his Christian beliefs that helped him through these past several months.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandmother, Lawon P. Underdown who is 102 years old; and many relatives and friends.

Thank you to all family and friends who have supported us now and always.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.