Donavan S.Lajaune Stephney

With a December 23, 1990 birthday, Donavan was his mother’s most prized Christmas gift. Tamara Stephney and Dominique Robertson shared their gift with the world, the same world in which Donavan would seek to change.

As a constant observer of people and their behaviors, Donavan’s perceptive character was established at an early age. Donavan was an exemplary researcher, born and reared in Dallas, Texas, but with a passion for adventure and a zest for knowledge of other people, places, and cultures. He looked for and created opportunities to share his studies with family, friends, and colleagues. In addition, Donavan was a masterful storyteller known to captivate an audience of one to 100.

Donavan’s commanding presence and brilliant countenance often established him as the center of everyone’s attention. He could give life to any party! He loved to sing, dance, and conversationally engage with party-goers. Donavan wanted his happiness and love of life to be experienced by others; negativity drained him, and he loathed any encounter with negativity. A natural entertainer, Donavan could occupy several positions in one setting with those around him. Not many individuals can simultaneously serve as their own promoter, hype man, headliner, and background; Donavan could confidently occupy all of these roles in one speech, private conversation, or large-scale group setting.

With the ability to exude confidence while also building confidence in others, Donavan excelled in management while teaching his employees career-enhancing skills in self-management. Donavan was not only a proficient leader, but he was also a masterful tutor. He readily engaged in one-on-one training opportunities. With an unconventional style of management that challenged outdated and dated business practices for over a decade, many colleagues are immeasurably touched by his workplace innovations and workplace enhancements. As a plant manager for Brown Paper Goods, Donavan leaves behind a good name for himself and a better reputation for the company.

Many goals, dreams, and passions existed within the heart of Donavan. Adventurous, he often talked of skydiving and jet skiing. Determined, Donavan was striving to attain his status as a multi-millionaire. Curious, Donavan wanted to set foot on many domestic and foreign territories; Puerto Rico was his most recently discussed destination escape. Full of love, he was passionate about his family and other intimate connections.

Donavan loved his “Mama” and incessantly told Tamara how proud he was of her as a mother. Likewise, she was proud of the well-rounded and mature man she helped develop. As the firstborn of four, Donavan was just as proud of his role as a big brother and caregiver to Reina Brown, Caleb Brown, and Jase Bagby. Nephew Kairo Johnson will also grow up to reflect upon Donavan’s legacy and marvel over his uncle, who was a free spirit yet with a consciousness of the need to challenge others to live better, be better and better serve others. Donavan has left an immortal endowment for all to treasure.

Donavan’s familial connections went beyond the family bloodline. Tobias Tyson, Amani Pryor, and Donavan considered themselves brothers through love, if not by blood. Their connection was thicker than water. Donavan’s extended family also entails a trio of ladies who have catered to him as aunts since his birth. Expanding three decades, Kenya Henderson, Kourtney Lewis, and Anessa Nelson have created a sisterhood through their mutual connection to Donavan. Donavan had no shortage of love in his life.

With the intelligence to bridge social gaps and resolve dysfunctions within his community, Donavan was a mentor to many and a role model to most. His love of reading and recognition of motivational speakers Les Brown, Jim Rohn, and Eric Thomas gave Donavan great insights and tools for strengthening himself and his peers. According to Les Brown, “In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” Always up for a challenge, Donavan searched for ways to multiply his daily opportunities many times over. Donavan competed against himself and often won.

Some family members have transitioned and await Donavan in Eternity. Dominique Robertson, his father; maternal great-grandparents, Sidney and Christeen Englebretson; and Uncle Larry Englebretson are joined with Donavan in their next adventure. Donavan also anticipated getting back with Lil Boosie, the “O.G. Cat.” Leave it to Donavan to recognize the player in a cat.

Lennis Englebretson will always revere Donavan as her baby boy as her first grandchild. Hubert Stephney, Donavan’s grandfather, has an etched impression of Donavan forever within his heart. Tina Duncan, Donavan’s aunt, and his cousins, Tiara, William, and Nicholas, have good memories and countless flashbacks of the joy Donavan brought into their lives. Paternal grandmother, Ollie Robertson, and Donavan’s aunt, Laquieta Robertson, had an extended image of Donavan’s late father to cherish. Kirk Myers, Tamara’s professional partner, is another fortunate individual who appreciates Donavan and knows him as a community activist and benefactor to social issues.

Donavan S. Lajaune Stephney was the best early Christmas gift that the whole world ever received!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Stephney family.