Dornell Johnigan Obituary (1952 - 2019)

Dornell Johnigan was born June 30, 1952 in Longview, Texas to Shirley Jean Johnigan-Hunton. Dornell attended public schools in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1971. Soon after, he moved to La Marque, Texas where he got married. To this union, three beautiful children were born, Denetri, Crystal and Kevin Johnigan. Dornell belonged to Labor Local Union 116 working many years in construction and retired from DeJean Construction. After retiring, he joined Hopewell Baptist Church and became a faithful and devoted member where he was the door keeper, a trustee and the pastor's "go to" man. Rain, sleet, snow, through hell or high water...literally...he had to get to Hopewell. Dornell had a big heart for family, friends, neighbors and people in general. Dornell brought joy everywhere he went. Dornell had an inviting home and his door was always open. Dornell fed everyone who walked through his door, even when you talked smack about his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Dornell always kept popsicles and snacks for the neighborhood kids and also fed the neighborhood dogs. On Sunday afternoons, family would meet up after church to enjoy some of Dornell's BBQ or whatever he cooked up. During football season, you most certainly would find Dornell sitting in his favorite chair cheering on his Cowboys. Dornell will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Dornell is survived by his wife, Chappelle Hobson; children, Crystal Johnigan, Kevin Johnigan (Marina) and Joanna Moore; stepson, Gregory Benefield II; grandchildren, KeVon, Kaleb, Kylie and Christian; brothers, Michael Lewis, Ronnie K. Johnigan (Sharon) and Daryl Hunton; sisters, Linda Francis and Lydda Lewis; a special cousin, George Johnigan; his devoted pet and best friend, "Bruce" and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dornell is preceded in death by his daughter, Denetri Johnigan; mother, Shirley Jean Johnigan-Hunton; father, Billy McMillan (Fox); grandfather, Noble Johnigan; grandmother, Artie Mae Sanders; uncles, Robert Johnigan, Frankie Bailey and aunts, Deliah Hollands, Barbara Jean Shaw and Ida Mae Bailey. A visitation will be held Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 9:00 am followed by a life celebration service at 10:00 am. Both events will take place at Hopewell Baptist Church located at 316 South Pine Road in Texas City, Texas 77591. Interment will be at Rising Star Cemetery in La Marque, Texas. Professional services are entrusted to the staff at Bay Area Funeral Directors, 409-933-4300.