Darrell was born to the union of Tom and Cordie Mae Johnson in 1961. He attended St. Louis Public Schools and shortly thereafter met and fell in love with Charlesetta Like. On August 6, 1981, he and Charlesetta married. Though they had no children together, their marriage was filled with deep love, loyalty and companionship.

During his youth, Darrell spent much of his time on the basketball court. As he matured, he developed a deep appreciation for football, boxing, and the thoughtful strategy of chess.

Darrell worked for the City of St. Louis, where his coworkers became his second family. He loved playing a card game called “Slick,” often competing with his brother Rodney or his friends at work. Win or lose, Darrell proudly called the “Slick Master” bringing laughter, fun and friendly competition where ever he played.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father and mother, Tom and Cordie Johnson; his mother-in-law, Gertrude Like; his sisters, “Little” Juanita Coleman, Reana Reed, and Denise Smiley; his brothers, Charles, Freddie, and Gary Johnson; his brother-in-law, Cortez Like; his beloved aunts, Doris Valentine and “Big” Juanita Carroll, his uncle, John Taylor; and his nephews, Omar Khayan and Freddie Johnson, Jr.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Charlesetta Johnson; his brothers, Rodney and Ernest Johnson; his sister, Patricia Johnson; his sisters-in-law, Colleen Wilson, Risa Like, and Lorraine Davis; his special niece, Sharrieff Khayan; his nieces and nephews, Anthony Coleman, Kinberly Brooks, Gary Johnson, Jr, Jarel Johnson, LaKeesha Smiley, and Anthony C. Johnson; his step-nephew, Sherman Wilson; his special niece, Regina Tate, and a host of great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, family, and friends who will forever cherish his memory and the joy he brought into their lives.