Donald Lucas “Smiley” Johnson
July 15, 1952 - May 20, 2024
Donald Lucas “Smiley” Johnson, age 71, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024.
Born in Temple, OK, on July 15, 1952, he was a son of the late Fielder D. Johnson, Sr. and Hershey Wojciechowski. In his youth, Donald was athletic and excelled at playing baseball (he was known for having a mean curveball). He passed along his athleticism and love of sports to his children and grandchildren, and nothing gave him greater pleasure than to attend their games and cheer them on. He was given a stadium chair for Christmas so he would always have a comfortable seat at their events.
Donald loved watching sporting events with his family and was often the first one by the TV waiting for everyone to arrive. A big fan of Caitlin Clark, he would always yell “shoot the 3 ball!” when they watched her play. He loved fishing and golfing and challenging his family and friends to a card game or to shoot pool.
In his later years, Donald relished the time he spent with his family. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh with his unique sense of humor and entertaining stories. Most importantly, he was a man of faith who would read his Bible every morning and looked forward to attending Word of Life Christian Center each Sunday.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his siblings, Fielder Johnson Jr., Clara Shelton, Cleo Johnson, Nadine President, Virginia Anne Johnson, Herbert Johnson, Douglas Johnson, and Felicia Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Michelle C. (Swift) Johnson; children, Aaron Johnson Sr., Christopher Johnson Sr. (Montoria), Donald E. Johnson Sr., Daniel Johnson (Jamie), and Melissa Gaines (Shawn, Sr.); siblings, Willie Johnson, Victoria Washington, Patricia Jackson (Bobby), Latonia Wojciechowski, and Patrick Wojciechowski; grandchildren, Hesaan, Y’nijah, Tiera (Cornelius), Aaron Jr., Doniyah, Janiya, Vivica, Nykeh, Xyiah, Jayliece, Niyonna, Christopher Jr., Damalia, Shawn Jr., Jacoby, Jazlyn, Naomi, Mikayla, Donald Jr., and Savannah; great-grandchildren, Storie, Knolynn, Zyion, Ashtynn, Champion, and Austynn; and a host of nieces and nephews
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Word of Life Christian Center, 854 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald’s memory to the Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, c/o Finance Department, P.O. Box 98, Rehrersburg, PA 19550 or online by clicking here.
Laretta Wilson
My condolences to Ja’Niya & the family. I know how you adored your Pop-Pop . I’m sure he’ll be watching you with his good eye.
Miriam Skinner
God’s grace I’d sufficient with His unfailing love. May he continue to comfort and give each person his peace which passes all understanding. As His word has spoken, absent with the body present with the Lord. In sincerity from Miriam Skinner and family with ❤️love.
Miriam Skinner
God grace is sufficient with His unfailing love. May the Holy Spirit continue to comfort and give each person the peace which passes all understanding. As His word has spoken, absent with the body present with the Lord. In sincerity from Miriam Skinner and family with love ❤️
Anthony Jones
Mr. Don, I just want to say RIH. Although I was not related by blood, you always treated me like a son, and never excluded me from any of the family activities. I truly appreciate you letting me stay with your family for many summers, and treating me like all of your other kids. I will cherish every memory.
Wilma Jones DeRosa
My condolences to the entire family and my god give you continued strength during the coming days and the following weeks in the absence of your loved one.
Barbara Oney. (Ms Bea)
Michelle . I wish to express my sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss of your husband and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort and keep you all in your hour of need. Rest in peace Mr Johnson. Much love Michelle.♥️. Ms Bea
Lucke Phouthisone
He was one of the most loving people I new love you pop pop lucke 🫶🏾🫶🏾🥲
Terry Swift
Although I never knew you all’s father, I really enjoyed reading his obituary and looking at the pictures, especially the whole family pictures. The love you all have for him is evident and I am sorry to hear about his passing.
Miah Downes
Rest in peace angel. You seemed so bright and full of life. My condolences to the family. may god be with you all at this time. stay positive and use this time for self care. I pray for everyone’s healing. much love🩷🩷🩷
Fred Kurt
My Sympathy & Condolences to Michelle and Family . I met Michelle and Smiley about 50 years ago,He was an Awesome, Unforgettable man. I drove him and his Mother to his hometown of Temple, Oklahoma…what a Memorable journey ! I will always remember him singing “The Mockingbird Song” to his children . RIP ,Smiley . Much Love
Willie Stewart
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to you and your loved one and your family. May he rest in peace.
Sharonne Brown
Sorry for your loss Sharon Brown I will be praying for you and your family love you Miss Michelle
Thomas Kaminski
Melissa, so sorry for your loss. Your Pop-Pop was truly an inspiration for your Family. He will be missed, but he will still be there watching over you and your Family. RIP Mr. Johnson.
Judi Casper
Judi Casper passes on condolences for all the Days of Hope Team
Monroe and Kassie Saunders
Deepest sympathy to the Johnson family
There is no words we can say to easy the pain of the loss of your husband,father and grandfather…we pray that God’s shield of armor protects each of you as you take this journey of farewell..
Love Money and Kassie
Shonna Carr
My deepest condolences & prayers to the Johnson & Gaines family. It was a honor knowing and being around Mr. Don. Nothing but fun loving memories. Love yall
Dawn Torres
Such beautiful pictures. Time on this earth goes so fast and the time we have with the ones we love is never enough. Take comfort in knowing that he is smiling above in the presence of Jesus and one day you will be with him again. God bless all of you and may He send loving comfort your way during this difficult time.
Nicole Burney
Wishing the family the warmest sympathies and prayers of support during this difficult time. May his fondest memories remain nestled in your hearts forever.
Jacqueline Smith
My Uncle Don. I send my condolences to his beautiful family. I love you all and Don will be missed.