Desmond L. Johnson

1990 - 2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Desmond Lamar Johnson, who left this world far too soon. Though his time with us was short, his impact was immeasurable and his spirit unforgettable.

Desmond Lamar Johnson was born on December 11, 1990, in Petersburg, Virginia to Tamatha Johnson and Russell Blanding. Desmond was a burst of energy from the start—a dreamer, doer, and friend to all. He lived life on his own terms, filling each day with laughter, adventure, and purpose.  

Desmond was a faithful and active member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia. He served as a member of the Sign Language Ministry and Young Adult Choir. Desmond attended and graduated from Petersburg High School Class of 2009. He was an active member of the Petersburg High School Chorus and All District Choir. He also served as one of the drum majors for the Petersburg High School Marching Band. After graduating, Desmond attended Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina where he majored in Education. He was an active member of the Dynasty 2 Step Team, CU Hawks cheer Squad, and Instruments of Praise (IOP) Gospel Choir. Desmond had a love for skating that was more than a hobby; it was freedom on wheels, a reminder to glide through life with balance, speed, and fearless fun.

Desmond was preceded in death by his grandfathers Lovelle Johnson, Ulysses Blanding, and James Davis; aunts Priscilla Evans and Sonja Johnson; and a nephew, Isaiah Wilson.

Desmond leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted mother, Tamatha Johnson; loving and devoted father, Russell Blanding; a brother, Jamar Johnson; a sister Tequila Rapp (Bryan); nieces, Jakayla Johnson, Madison Johnson, and Justice Cope; nephews, Kewun Neal and Malachi Cope; grandmothers, Barbara Davis and Rosa Blanding; a step-grandmother, Thelma Johnson, of Fayetteville, Georgia; aunts, Doreath Graffney (James), Sheila Williams (Larry), Darlene Thompson (Jimmie), Ruby Blanding, Annette Blanding of Atlanta, Georgia, Ebony Jenkins (Stephen) of Norfolk, Virginia, Candace Cardoza (Sean) of Fayetteville, Georgia; uncles, Lorenzo Johnson (Sheila), Ulysses Blanding Jr., and Alphonzo Johnson; and a host of cousins.  

Desmond shared a lifelong friendship with his devoted friends, Glenisha Ray and Vernon Newland of Fredricksburg, Virginia; and a host of devoted friends; he also held special relationships with his loving cousins, Cutina Walker, Annette Palmer, and LaKeisha Vaughan; a beloved aunt-in-love, Venis Utsey; and beloved family-in-love, Linda Jones-Johnson and the Jones family (727 Taylor St.).  

Though Desmond’s journey on this earth has ended, the memories, laughter, and love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, Pastor, and Pastor Rashaun M. Hill, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.