John Congress Obituary

John Henry "Lil John" Donald Congress

May 17, 1978 - Feb 25, 2024

Sandusky

John Henry "Lil John" Donald Congress, 45, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.

He was born May 17, 1978, in Oberlin, to John Henry Congress and Catherine (Goudy) Terrell Crawford.

He attended Oberlin and Sandusky High Schools. He later pursued a higher education and graduated with his GED. He attended Culinary School in Columbus and became an assistant chef at the Marina Restaurant on First St.

He became the first black-owned business in Sandusky after opening a men's and ladies clothing store which he operated for 10 years. He also gave his time wherever he could and was a volunteer server at Victory Kitchen and was very proud of that.

Lil John managed and led the kick softball team JDC of which he was also a player. This experience led to falling in love with becoming a fitness trainer and felt this was his calling. He became adamant with his health and wanted to help others. He always gave 100 percent or nothing.

Lil John was a member of Emmanuel Temple Church, loved people of all ages, and respected his elders at all times. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Catherine Terrell Crawford of Norwalk; father, John Henry Congress of Lorain; daughters, Jatoria N. Donald and Emmanuella J. (Jamai Green Sr.) Donald, both of Sandusky, and Jada M. Donald of Amherst; sons, Johnathan Donald of Sandusky, Jaylen and Jayden Donald, both of Tiffin, and Julius J. and Jacorion L. Donald, both of Amherst; stepson, Andre A. Moy; three grandsons; one granddaughter; sisters, Debra Donald (Henry) Reed of Chesterfield, Michigan, Dementra (Ronnie Smoot) Pool of Sandusky, and Jaicie Congress Smallwood of North Carolina; brother, John H. Congress III of Lorain; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lil John was preceded in death by his brother, Johnnie L. Donald Jr.; stepfather, Shelby Crawford; grandsons, Jamai Green Jr. and Jackson James Donald; nephew, Corbin Donald; grandparents, Jeff Goudy Sr., Catherine Goudy, Henry Congress, and Joe Lee Congress; aunts, Barbara Williams and Rosa Goudy; uncles, Jeff Goudy Jr., Anthony, and Demeatries Congress; and dog that he loved, Sally Mae.

Visitation for friends will be 9 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, until the time of Lil John's funeral at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.