Demetrio Donell Johnson

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” - Isaiah 41:10 The Life of Demetrio Perry Johnson Demetrio Donnell Perry Johnson a ectionately known as “Meche”, was born on December 25, 1977, in Oak Park, IL. Meche was the  rst-born child to the proud parents of Robin and Joyce Marie Johnson. Demetrio was a beautiful energetic baby boy. He had two beautiful daughters who were the love of his life and a special daughter Londynn Santos (preceded him in death). Growing Up Demetrio received Christ at an early age being baptized at New St. Mary Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Pastor Harrison Bolton. He had a foundation rooted in God and knew to call on His name. Meche was well known in high school. He attended Westinghouse Vocational High School as a freshman where he became wellknow from the very start playing basketball and football. God made Meche a gi ed athlete who competed on varsity during his freshman year. He had his own cheer leading team that included his sister Angel and cousins Kelitha, Kanitha, Kelita and Kytrah. But that wasn’t enough for Meche. He had bigger dreams and transferred to Chicago Vocational High School during his junior year. As he said in one news article posted by Chicago Tribune “ ey’re more serious about football on the South Side – On the West Side, they’re more serious about basketball”. He graduated from CVS in 1996, earning multiple medals and certi cates for his fast moves as their Runningback. He led the Chicago area with the most rushing yards. All those who knew Meche knew he loved football. He slept, he dreamed, and he talked about football day in and day out. He was also a natural comedian at heart. At home, school, work, everywhere he went, Meche was always telling jokes. His comedic talent landed him events throughout the Chicagoland area. In 1996 his love for football gained him a full scholarship to Harper College. An unfortunate injury caused him to change course and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Chicago. While there he earned a Golden Key International Honors Society Award. As an athlete and scholar, he showed that his excellence had no bounds and earn a BA in Corrections, Criminal Justice in 2003. Demetrio’s devotion and interest in the legal  eld led him to Roosevelt University graduating in 2005 and later becoming a Paralegal. He worked for multiple law  rms including Fay Servicing, O’Connell-Tivin-Miller & Burns, Baker-McKenzie, Kirkland & Ellis until  nally landing a position with Paul Hastings Law Firm in Chicago, IL. Demetrio was tightly knit to his children, mother, father, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his mentor (teacher) Clara Williams. He held them all very close to her heart.  ey could always count on him to be their protector. Blockbuster (the name given to him by his great-grandfather) was willing to do anything for those he loved. Heavenly Departure Demetrio made his transition on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL. He leaves to cherish his memories: Two loving daughters: Sassha and Madison Johnson; a devoted mother: Joyce Perry; father: Robin Johnson, godmother: Barbara Ann Harris; loving sister: Angenette;  ve aunts: Ruth (Michael) Jones, Kathy (Slyvester) Montgomery, Brenda Perry, Bobbie Dunning, and Deborah Perry-McCullum; four uncles: Llewellyn, Randy (Rosie) Johnson, Reginald and Michael Perry; special cousins: Kanesha, Kamari, Kartier, and Heavenly; a host of other cousins, family members and friends too numerous to mention.

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