Delores Ann "Suggie" Layton Johnson

Delores Ann Layton Johnson “Suggie”

Saginaw, Michigan

A woman of faith, love, and class, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Reunited with her parents in heaven, Arthur Lee and Luewana Layton, Delores leaves behind a legacy of love and service on Earth.

Delores was a woman of many passions. She had a love for Jesus and Lil Wayne— and could be found speaking God’s Word to those around her and busting a dance move to GloRilla or Burna Boy whenever the beat dropped. Over the years she belonged to Saginaw Valley Community Church, Pastors Richard and Pat Sayad and New Covenant Christian Center Church, Apostle- Dr. Ron and Lady Georgette Frierson. Ministries that she loved to visit were Daniels Den, Beacon of Hope, and New Testament.

A hard worker, she spent years in sales at Sears and Macy’s before retiring and finding new purpose as a security guard, home healthcare worker, filing clerk, and later as a bus aide where she nurtured the children she served. She was known for her generosity, always bringing the kids snacks, celebrating their behavioral improvements, and brightening their days with her kind spirit.

Family was her heart. Generosity was her heartbeat. Whether she was dressing up for a day out, buying change purses to give away, or offering rides to those in need, Delores found fulfillment in helping others. Even after death, having donated her organs and tissue to the Gift of Life Michigan. Her love for her family, friends, and even strangers knew no bounds. Delores was a devoted wife to her husband, Ricky Johnson of 29 years. She enjoyed bike riding to yearly fireworks, local festivals, and dressing alike with him. She cherished her "only begotten" daughter, Margaret Layton; her granddaughter, Dr. Jai Layton (Byrdie), was her best friend and safe place. Both Pearl and Jai were her pride and joy. Their bond brought so much joy to her life. Her bonus daughters, Latramese Jones and Sentaria Johnson; bonus grandchildren, Daryl Noel, Darrius Noel, Diamond Tolliver and the late Kalita Walden, were all special additions to her family.

Born to a large and loving family, she was number 3 of 10 siblings whom she absolutely adored. The Layton 10 that included, Arthur Layton, Jr. (her big brother Art, who she admired and called often for sound advice), Christine Layton (her big Sister and intercessor that she had so much respect for), Geraldine Owens (who she was so close to that everyone thought they were twins even though they were 15 months apart… these two still had sleep overs), Clifford James Layton (the historian of the family that she could always depend on for a good laugh, Jerome (Amanda) Layton (who she could always rely on to cut her grass), Robert Layton (who she bragged on for taking her shopping, out to dinner, and treating her like a queen), Alicia Banks (her Roadie, best friend, and confidant), Shirell (Robert) Winters (her litle Sister who she lovingly called Rella was her compassionate prayer warrior), Darnell (her little brother who she loved taking care of and treated like a baby even though he is 51 years old).

In addition, Delores leaves to cherish her memory three Aunts and one Uncle, Sammie Lee Bryd, Dorthy Ann Brown, Louise Jones, and Aaron (Daisy) Holden. A brother-in-law, Randy Johnson; many nieces and nephews that she loved as her own children; special friends, including dear friends, Gene and Connie Plowden, Cathy (Al) Linton, Tracy and Billy Ware, Lametria (Russell) Smith and Jane (DeMarco) Crayton.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur Lee and Luewanna Layton, Aunts, Marylene Hodge and Helen Ford, Uncles, Charles Layton, Murphy Layton, and Donald Holden, Mother and Father-in-law, Lewis and Ann Johnson, Sister-in-law, Ouida Johnson, and Brothers-in-law, Clarence, Tyrone, and Tony Johnson. 

A special thanks to the staff at Covenant Hospital and Select Specialty. Rest well, Delores. Dance with the angels. You are deeply missed, but your love and legacy will carry on forever.

Memorial service will take place at 12:00 p.m., on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Refuge Center Ministries, 1030 S. Washington, under the leadership of Ledell and Apryl Mushatt. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. We invite all who knew and loved Delores to join us in celebrating a life well-lived, filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of grace.