Danielle Jimenez

Danielle Lasett Jimenez, lovingly known as "Chita," was born on November 30, 1998, in Dallas, Texas, to Daniel and Sandra Jimenez. Her daddy gave her the nickname "Chita" because of her chubby baby cheeks-and it stuck. She was his shadow, his sidekick, and his pride and joy.

When Chita was 13 years old, she lost her father, it was a heartbreak she never fully recovered from. That loss was deepened even further in 2016 when her brother, Daniel Jimenez Jr., also passed away. Those two tragedies marked her young heart and shaped her path forward.

But even in her pain, Chita found love. She met Michael Hernandez at a junior high gathering, and from that moment on, they were in love. Their connection was deep, genuine, and true. They grew up together, loved each other through hard times, and shared the dream of building a life and family. Chita and Michael had two beautiful children: Damien Michael Hernandez in 2016, and Aaliyah Michelle Hernandez in 2022.

Chita and Michael made a home together-living with Michael's mother, who welcomed Chita as her own and helped raise Damien in a loving environment. Life was not always easy, but there was love in that home, and Damien grew up surrounded by people who adored him. Chita loved being a mom. She cherished every moment with Damien-playing games at Peter Piper Pizza, going to the park, and sharing ice cream at McDonald's. Their bond was special and strong.

Though Chita struggled with addiction-often in response to the pain of her father's absence-she held tightly to her faith. She loved the Lord, and her baptism was one of the happiest days of her life. After that day, she tried so hard to stay on the right path. She wanted to do better, be better-for her children and for herself. And while the battle with addiction continued, her heart never stopped reaching for God or for her babies.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

-Romans 8:38-39

When Michael became incarcerated, Chita faced a new level of challenge. Still, her love for him never faded. He remained the love of her life-the person who knew her best, who saw her through both joy and sorrow. Even in his absence, his presence was with her.

As a mother, Chita made the most selfless choice any parent could: she allowed others to raise her children in order to give them stability and opportunity. Damien stayed with Michael's mom and her husband, who had always helped care for him. Aaliyah was welcomed into the home of Michael's dad, Michael Hernandez and his wife Lisa Hernandez where she could grow and thrive. Though Aaliyah lived farther away, Chita never stopped loving her daughter. She carried both her children in her heart every moment of every day.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

-John 15:13

Chita was soft-spoken when you first met her, but once she opened up-she was all spark and sass. She loved to joke around, shop for the perfect jeans or sneakers, cheering on the Dallas cowboys and daydream about going to cosmetology school one day. Her sense of humor, sweetness, and strength made her unforgettable.

Though life was full of struggle, it was also full of love. Chita gave her best to the people she loved. She had flaws, but she also had faith. She carried her pain, but she also carried joy. She didn't give up-she gave everything.

On April 7, 2025, Daniella "Chita" Lasett Jimenez entered into eternal rest. Though addiction ended her time on earth, her story doesn't end there. She is now free-reunited with her father and brother, wrapped in the arms of the Savior she trusted and loved.

"She fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith."

-2 Timothy 4:7

Chita is survived by her mother, Sandra Jimenez; her children, Damien Michael and Aaliyah Michelle Hernandez; her siblings Denise, Dawn, Deanna, Dominique and Daniel Lee Jimenez; Michael Hernandez, the love of her life; and Michael's parents Veronica Valadez Perez and Chris Perez, who loved her like a daughter. She will be remembered for her laughter, her tenderness, her faith, and above all, the deep and abiding love she had for her children. She was united with

Her story is one of sacrifice, redemption, and love-a love that will live on in her children, and in all who were lucky enough to know her.