Memories are the treasures that time cannot steal.
Obituary
On September 14, 1982, a princess was born and by the grace of God, her parents, Donald Johnson and Billie Irene Beeks, were blessed with a daughter who would grow into one of the greatest queens to ever walk this Earth. Without a doubt, Donielle was born of love, and it is through that love that we know and cherish her today.
Donielle's life is the tale of a beautiful, strong, and bold woman navigating through life. Donielle was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Miami, Florida by a loving mother and extended family. After graduating high school, she moved to Tallahassee, Florida to further her education where her talents and natural passions for the arts allowed her to thrive through new experiences while she affectionately became known as Donie, a beloved sister to many.
Donielle was no ordinary woman. She was an extraordinary and devoted mother of two with a natural talent for dance, theater, art, poetry, makeup, hair, nails, and music—especially music. Growing up in Miami, Donielle attended Highland Oaks Middle School where she began playing the saxophone and further continued her passion for the instrument throughout her high school years attending North Miami Beach Senior High School as a spirited member of the NMB Charger Band. Beyond her graduation from high school in 2000, she furthered her musical passions at Florida A&M University where she was a proud member of the saxophone section in the world-renowned Marching "100" Band. Though there are 14 types of saxophones, Donielle chose the tenor saxophone as her main instrument—its bold and powerful sound matched her charismatic and vibrant personality.
When Donielle entered a room, her energy and spirit illuminated the hearts of those who knew her and left an undeniable impression on those who didn’t. Though she lived just 42 years, knowing her was a blessing—a gift that fills our lives with lasting happiness, joy, and unforgettable memories. She is survived by her two children, Jordan Ali Brown and Orion Akani Patterson; her parents, Billie Irene Beeks and Donald Johnson; her grandparents, Lela Corrine Beeks and Dr. Billy Beeks; her siblings, Bradford Fordham, Dont’e Johnson, and Katerella Rios; her aunt, Carmela Beeks Quarter; and a host of loving cousins and friends who are gathered here today for her homegoing.
Today, we mourn the loss of our beloved sister, but let us take comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven, reunited with her beloved sister, Dominique Johnson, whom she lost some time ago. Donielle will forever live in our hearts. The memories we shared are too special to fade, the laughter too real to forget, and the love too deep not to carry on.
We love you, Queen! We bow down in prayer, thanking God for the blessing of having you in our lives.
Amen
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Your son with his tremendous heart will truly carry your legacy of love to others. Rest well! Ms. Juana
If you have ever been in her presence... that SMILE was illuminating.
Donielle would greet you with that smile that was filled with mystery! That smile carried mischievous mischief, joy, laughter, love, persistence, endurance, struggle, grit, compassion, hurt, but most of all that smile carried resilience as she carried the weight of the world and her children on her shoulders.
This world was better with her in it. I am grateful to have not just been her cousin but also her friend. I cherish very personal conversations that we had with plans for her children as well as her life. Donielle loved with a love that was unwavering. She loved the Lord and that was a LOT of our conversation. She carried Faith that she would be healed, and she was. It doesn't look like WE wanted but, she is healed, nonetheless. I believe that Donielle is with the Lord resting and enjoying the place that He has made for her.
I love you cuzzy.
Christine
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