1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
FEB
21
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Starts at 5:00 pm
Posh Events Venue
133 Merriman Road, Akron, OH 44303
Donna Maria Braziel-Christian Johnson, age 68, of Akron, Ohio, peacefully transitioned from her earthly life to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Donna leaves to cherish her memory her beloved “baby girls,” her daughters: Donnika Walker-Christian and Dorothy Johnson-Christian.
She was a proud and devoted grandmother to:
Terrell Duncan Christian, Derrell Christian, Dayjour Johnson, Harlem Stiff-Johnson, and Davonni Grant.
She was also blessed with cherished great-grandchildren:
Amarra Christian, Dallas Christian, Derrell Christian Jr., Dezmond Christian, Dylan Christian, Genius Brazil Smith, Islah Grant-Pickett, Janavier Christian, Kacey Pickett, Paris Christian, Terrell Christian Jr., and one precious baby girl soon to be born.
Donna is also lovingly remembered by her siblings:
Larry Braziel, Carmella Braziel, Ritchie Braziel, Shannon Braziel Nettles, Wanda Braziel Gilkey, Brenda Christian, Cynthia “Cynt” Christian, Donnie (Becky) Christian, Herdy (Sallie) Christian, Jackie Christian, Janice (Bobby) Christian, Louis Phillip (Roslyn) Christian, Tyrone Christian, Karen Fears, Kimmy (Clyde) Weems, and Hillary “Butch” Vaughn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice Lee Mingo Christian and Willie James Braziel Sr., as well as her beloved siblings, Cheri Christian, her best friend and brother, James Robert Porter Christian (“Bobby C”), and Willie Braziel Jr.
Donna also reunites in heaven with dear friends Katrina Coleman and Sarah White, both of Akron, Ohio.
Donna was born on July 28, 1957, in Akron, Ohio, and lived her life with the same passion and fullness that carried her through every season. Whenever Donna entered a room, her presence was felt. She never met a stranger and always had a giving heart.
Known for her elegance and style, Donna was a classy woman who carried herself with grace, even in the quiet moments at home. She believed in showing up as her best self every day.
In her youth, Donna and her childhood friends—Charles Smoot, Mary “Poochie” Lewis-Mosby, George Mosby, Tony Richards, Venus Young, and Donna herself—formed a well-known dance group called “The Happenings.” Throughout her daily life, she treasured these childhood friendships, along with others including Arneice Rice, Clyde Rice, Renae Taylor, Michael Wilson, and Yolonda Spooney.
Donna was baptized at an early age and raised in the faith at Antioch Baptist Church, where her spiritual foundation was built. Her faith remained central throughout her life. She was a praying woman who spoke life, believed deeply, and trusted God’s timing and promises.
She later followed her cousin Ricky Mingo as he directed the family choir, Refuge, continuing her love for worship, music, and family connection.
Donna graduated from South High School and dedicated many years of service working for the State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities until her retirement.
She followed her dream and founded her own business, TLC Homes, where she fulfilled her calling as a caretaker. Donna believed in providing the highest standard of “tender loving care,” and she poured that love into everyone she served, treating her clients like family.
Donna was, above all, a family woman. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and found her greatest joy in being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family gatherings were her favorite place to be—laughing, celebrating, cooking, dancing, and making memories.
She truly was the life of the party, and her vibrant spirit will be deeply missed at every family table, holiday, and celebration. To know Donna was to love her.
Affectionately known as Mommy, Miss Donna, Aunty Donna, Cousin Donna, Momma Donna, Granny, and Donna J., Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and an unforgettable presence.
The family of Donna Maria Braziel-Christian Johnson wishes to express sincere gratitude for your prayers, love, support, and kindness during this time.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
Your presence and acts of compassion will forever be remembered.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life honoring Donna’s legacy will be held:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Posh Events Venue
133 Merriman Rd
Akron, OH 44303
Dress to impress in her honor (Black, Silver, Gold).
Bishop Marc L. Neal will officiate.
Condolences may be sent to:
1448 Osage Ave
Akron, OH 44305
Donna leaves to cherish her memory her beloved “baby girls,” her daughters: Donnika Walker-Christian and Dorothy Johnson-Christian.
She was a proud and devoted grandmother to:
Terrell Duncan Christian, Derrell Christian, Dayjour Johnson, Harlem Stiff-Johnson, and Davonni Grant.
She was also blessed with cherished great-grandchildren:
Amarra Christian, Dallas Christian, Derrell Christian Jr., Dezmond Christian, Dylan Christian, Genius Brazil Smith, Islah Grant-Pickett, Janavier Christian, Kacey Pickett, Paris Christian, Terrell Christian Jr., and one precious baby girl soon to be born.
Donna is also lovingly remembered by her siblings:
Larry Braziel, Carmella Braziel, Ritchie Braziel, Shannon Braziel Nettles, Wanda Braziel Gilkey, Brenda Christian, Cynthia “Cynt” Christian, Donnie (Becky) Christian, Herdy (Sallie) Christian, Jackie Christian, Janice (Bobby) Christian, Louis Phillip (Roslyn) Christian, Tyrone Christian, Karen Fears, Kimmy (Clyde) Weems, and Hillary “Butch” Vaughn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice Lee Mingo Christian and Willie James Braziel Sr., as well as her beloved siblings, Cheri Christian, her best friend and brother, James Robert Porter Christian (“Bobby C”), and Willie Braziel Jr.
Donna also reunites in heaven with dear friends Katrina Coleman and Sarah White, both of Akron, Ohio.
Donna was born on July 28, 1957, in Akron, Ohio, and lived her life with the same passion and fullness that carried her through every season. Whenever Donna entered a room, her presence was felt. She never met a stranger and always had a giving heart.
Known for her elegance and style, Donna was a classy woman who carried herself with grace, even in the quiet moments at home. She believed in showing up as her best self every day.
In her youth, Donna and her childhood friends—Charles Smoot, Mary “Poochie” Lewis-Mosby, George Mosby, Tony Richards, Venus Young, and Donna herself—formed a well-known dance group called “The Happenings.” Throughout her daily life, she treasured these childhood friendships, along with others including Arneice Rice, Clyde Rice, Renae Taylor, Michael Wilson, and Yolonda Spooney.
Donna was baptized at an early age and raised in the faith at Antioch Baptist Church, where her spiritual foundation was built. Her faith remained central throughout her life. She was a praying woman who spoke life, believed deeply, and trusted God’s timing and promises.
She later followed her cousin Ricky Mingo as he directed the family choir, Refuge, continuing her love for worship, music, and family connection.
Donna graduated from South High School and dedicated many years of service working for the State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities until her retirement.
She followed her dream and founded her own business, TLC Homes, where she fulfilled her calling as a caretaker. Donna believed in providing the highest standard of “tender loving care,” and she poured that love into everyone she served, treating her clients like family.
Donna was, above all, a family woman. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and found her greatest joy in being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family gatherings were her favorite place to be—laughing, celebrating, cooking, dancing, and making memories.
She truly was the life of the party, and her vibrant spirit will be deeply missed at every family table, holiday, and celebration. To know Donna was to love her.
Affectionately known as Mommy, Miss Donna, Aunty Donna, Cousin Donna, Momma Donna, Granny, and Donna J., Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and an unforgettable presence.
The family of Donna Maria Braziel-Christian Johnson wishes to express sincere gratitude for your prayers, love, support, and kindness during this time.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
Your presence and acts of compassion will forever be remembered.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life honoring Donna’s legacy will be held:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Posh Events Venue
133 Merriman Rd
Akron, OH 44303
Dress to impress in her honor (Black, Silver, Gold).
Bishop Marc L. Neal will officiate.
Condolences may be sent to:
1448 Osage Ave
Akron, OH 44305
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna Marie Braziel-Christian Johnson, please visit our flower store.
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