Obituary of Dorleen Johnson
Dorleen Curry Johnson, age 74, returned to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 11, 2018, surrounded by her devoted daughters and grandchildren. The funeral service will be held 11:00 am, January 18, 2018, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Pastor Lonnie Brown officiating with burial to follow at River Rest Cemetery.
Dorleen was born August 27, 1943, to the late Earl and Louise Jones in Kinloch, Missouri. She married her childhood sweetheart Haywood Johnson in 1958 in St. Louis, Missouri and relocated to Flint, Michigan in 1964. They were blessed with five children.
Upon her relocation, Dorleen took immense pride in raising her children with family traditions and values. She ultimately desired and became a licensed cosmetologist for over 45+ years and business owner of Heavenly Hairem Styling Salon. Through hard work and determination, “Dolly,” as she was affectionately called, established herself as a renowned, respected, and sought-after beautician. Her passion of doing hair led to life-long friendships with many of her clientele.
Dorleen and Haywood cherished the time with their children and raised them with patience, love, and humility. They enjoyed taking annual family vacations across the country and spending time with their many grand and great-grandchildren. On any given Sunday, her children would always find her listening to her Sunday morning gospels. She was an avid listener of any music performed by Aretha Franklin, Shirley Caesar, or any other gospel legend. Dorleen was a fun and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Left to cherish her dear memory are her four daughters: Darlene Osborn, Fuzzy Sanders, DeVelle Johnson, and Venus (Richard) Allen; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; brother Earl “PJ” Jones, Jr., a host of nieces and nephews, and dear friends: Sheila Powell and Gwen Williams.
Dorleen was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 59 years, Haywood Johnson, son-in-law Samuel Sanders, son Vance (Haywood) Johnson, brother James C. Smith, sisters Annie Pearl Middlebrooks & Fannie Agnew, and her parents Earl & Louise Jones.
The family of Dorleen Johnson would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Karla Davis, Tanya Pruitt, and the many other wonderful staff members at Davita Dialysis for their loving care.