NEWPORT NEWS — Johnathan Edward Burnell, 45, departed this earthly life Saturday, July 4, 2020. He was born Jan. 14, 1975, to Frank Burrell and the late Phyllis Jones in Newport News and was raised by his mother and the late Thomas Jones.
Johnathan was funny, loving, full of light, with a heart that was larger than life. He enjoyed fishing, attending family cookouts and spending time with family and friends. He was known for calling his loved ones on their birthdays with a special birthday rhyme.
Johnathan was also crazy about his dogs, but most of all, he loved his family and wanted to make everyone laugh. He was well known and liked, and he will forever be loved by his family as well as the Warwick Lawns Community. “Johnny D.” will be greatly missed.
Johnathan’s memories will forever live in the hearts of his children, Johnathan Burnell and Amira Burnell; life partner and mother of his children, Stephanie Rodriguez; sisters, Kosha Harris, Sonar Burnell, Thomasina Jones and Tonya Jones Clay; brother, Marley Burnell; grandmother, Pearl Moody; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Whiting’s Chapel. A walk-thru viewing will be held immediately following the service. Due to the current health pandemic, only 50 people may be in attendance and face coverings are required. Facebook livestreaming will be available for this service.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
