Delores Maxine Johnson, a pillar of strength, love, and faith, peacefully left her earthly home on 11/11/2024, at the age of 81. Born on March 7, 1943, in the quaint town of Edwight, West Virginia, Delores was the precious daughter and only child of Herman and Gladys Chandler, who have now welcomed her into eternal peace.

Growing up as a true coal miner’s daughter in the 1940s and 50s in the charming coal mining community of Edwight, Delores was cherished as an only child amongst a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who profoundly influenced her life. Following the closure of the local mine, the Chandlers migrated to Cleveland, Ohio, while many of the other relatives settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan, preserving their tight-knit bond across distances.

After graduating from East High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1961, Delores’s journey led her to Kalamazoo also where she met her beloved husband of over 60 years, Joel Johnson and where they began their legacy with the arrival of their cherished children, Dana and Damon. Eventually settling back in Ohio, in Oakwood Village, on Milbury Court, fondly dubbed as the “Circle,” Delores radiated kindness, generosity, and strength, marking a lasting impression on all she encountered. Joel and Delores have been residence of Oakwood Village for over 51 years, arriving in March of 1973.

With a successful career in electronic manufacturing in Cleveland making electronic circuit boards for many household electronics, Delores balanced work and family and eventually retired comfortably and was known by her coworkers for her hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others around her.

Demonstrating her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, Delores and Joel devoted themselves for over 10 years as foster parents, often taking in multiple children at a time for multiple years.

A beacon of love and guidance, Delores prioritized her family above all else, embodying the roles of a devoted wife, nurturing mother, doting grandmother, and loving great-grandmother. Known for her open doors and warm hospitality, the “Circle” became a sanctuary for family gatherings and cherished memories for all generations. However, do not confuse her kindness for weakness. Delores was the family matriarch and disciplinarian over the years. If you got out of line, or made to much noise, you would get a Whoopin! Or at least you would get that threat no matter if you were 6 or 60.

Besides family, Delores’ only other passions were travel, long phone conversations with girlfriends, and her faith. She was a praying woman and had a godly message for everyone she encountered. If you knew her, I am sure she prayed for you. Delores found solace in her faith, rooted in her dedicated membership and missionary work at Wings of Deliverance Faith Temple in Cleveland. A devout Christian, she imbued her family with her spiritual values, leading by example with her unwavering commitment to her relationship with the Creator.

In her final days, Delores’s faith remained steadfast, bringing solace and light despite her illness. You would often hear her praying and calling on His name. Her enduring legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will forever inspire those who had the privilege of crossing paths with her.

Delores leaves behind her devoted husband, Joel Johnson; her children, Damon Johnson and Dana & Keith Golston; grandchildren Asia Saffold, Deandre Radcliff, Karly Golston, Damon Johnson Jr., and Kenya Golston; great-grandchildren Aaliyah Saffold and Price Saffold; first cousins Monroe Jr., Decolius, James, Sherman, Marvin, Charmaine, Ricky, and Todd Johnson; alongside a host of relatives and friends whose lives were touched by her unwavering spirit. Delores’s memory will continue to flourish in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.