Cordarius Johnson

Cordarius "Donte'" Johnson was born on May 5, 1987, to Schunta Johnson. He was raised in Lufkin, Texas, where he attended Lufkin High School and graduated with the Class of 2005.

Cordarius later made his home in Houston, Texas, where he worked at Lockwood Skating Palace and was a member of Greater True Light Missionary Baptist Church. He was known for his warm spirit, creative mind, and unwavering passion for the arts.

Performing under the artist name Donte' J, he pursued his Musical dreams with determination and purpose. His music reached audiences through streaming platforms and YouTube, and he proudly performed at a South by Southwest (SXSW) vendor showcase as well as live music venues in East Los Angeles, California, and Brooklyn, New York.

Cordarius was equally passionate about Filmmaking. He filmed, and produced short films and music videos, casting family members and friends as actors, and actresses. One of his films "Guilty Intentions," written by his late friend, Brian Brown. Together, Cord and Brian co-directed the movie and filmed the entire production in his hometown of Lufkin, Texas.

Photography became another artistic outlet for Cordarius. Although photography began as a hobby, after music, Cord picked up the camera, capturing shots throughout the city for whomever needed a cameraman.

Cordarius was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Catalin Desha Johnson; his father, Author Dancer; his great-grandparents, Cleo and Hattie Johnson and Albert and Elsie Shepherd; his grandparents, Andrew and Jean Negrini; and his uncle, Trence Johnson.

His legacy of love, creativity, and music lives on through his beloved fiancée, Courtney Flake; his cherished son, Carson David Johnson of Houston, Texas; his mother, Schunta (Paul) Negrini of Lufkin, Texas; his brothers, Drex (Shandolyn, Dillon, Kaedance) Johnson of Lufkin, Texas, Stephen (Rosanna, Nataliya) Negrini of Galveston, Texas, and Donette Dancer, Jr. of Texas City, Texas; his sister, Chambrell Harris of Tyler, Texas; his grandparents, Alma Johnson of Grapeland, Texas, and Milton A. Shepherd of Dallas, Texas; his aunt, Marsha Shepherd of Dallas, Texas; his uncles, Milton G. Shepherd of Grapeland, Texas, Antwan Johnson of Lufkin, Texas, and Dr. Kelvin (Shepherd of Houston, Texas; and Godson Masen Thomas, Houston, Texas; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.

Cordarius lived with purpose, created without limits, and loved deeply. His music continues to echo, his films continue to tell stories, and the memories he captured through his camera will remain priceless. Though his earthly song has come to an end, the melody of his life will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation

Saturday, July 25, 2026

1:00-: 2:00 PM

Rising Star Baptist Church

10987 US 287

Grapeland, TX  75844

Service

Saturday, July 25, 2026

2:00 PM

Rising Star Baptist Church

10987 US 287

Grapeland, TX  75844

Interment

Johnson Cemetery

Grapeland TX 75844