Geraldine Layton-Owens

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Geraldine Layton, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the age of 68.

Geraldine was born on November 15, 1956, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Arthur and Luewana (Holden) Layton, Sr. She attended Saginaw Public Schools and later earned her GED. Geraldine worked as a caregiver in various nursing homes and home healthcare agencies, always embodying a nurturing and compassionate spirit. She will be remembered for her understanding, support, and strength, especially in navigating life’s challenges with grace. Geraldine had a kind and genuine heart and expressed love through both her words and actions. She found joy in caring for others; whether it was preparing a big meal for family gatherings, offering someone a place to stay, or simply being a listening ear and a comforting shoulder. Her cooking was exceptional, especially her award-winning greens, which placed in a Houston, Texas, competition and became affectionately known as “Aunt Geraldine’s Mean Greens.” Geraldine was devoted to her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews—earning the title of the “favorite fun auntie.” If you were loved by her, you lacked for nothing. She was known for “making it happen,” no matter the circumstance. Her warm, inviting spirit drew people in, and she never met a stranger. Geraldine deeply missed her beloved sister, Delores “Suggie” Layton, often expressing that she had given her life to Jesus so that she could see her again in heaven.

Geraldine leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children, Angelica Layton and Marcus Layton; grandchildren and loves of her life, Jaiden Stephens, Jaidah Thomas, and Majour Layton; step children, Ronnie Owens, Jr. and Maurice Owens; siblings, Arthur Layton, Jr., Christine Layton, Clifford Layton, Gerald Tyson, Jerome Layton, Robert Layton, Alicia Banks, Shirell (Robert) Winters, and Darnell Layton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and God daughter Kim Ellison. Friends who were especially dear to her included; Beverly Ford and Dawn Doster and special neighbor, Tom. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Owens, parents Arthur and Luewana Layton, and sister, Delores Layton-Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Transforming Life Church, 523 Hayden Street, where Pastor William and Dr. Laura Brown serve as overseers. Family members and friends will honor her in celebration. Family hour will begin at 11:00 a.m., where friends who want to share words of encouragement will be asked to do so. In honor of Geraldine’s joyful and generous spirit, the family asks that guests wear the color green with blue jeans. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may consider a gift to The Layton Family, in care of Angelica Layton.