Mrs. Gaylua Yvonne Johnson

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Gaylua Yvonne Johnson passed away peacefully in her home on June 22, 2024 at the age of 87 years. She was born December 2, 1936 in Saginaw, Michigan to Charles Evans and Lillian Trammell. A proud graduate of Saginaw High School’s Class of 1955. Gaylua built a remarkable career at the Veterans Administrations Hospital in Saginaw. From 1968 to 1998, she served with distinction, retiring as the lead switchboard operator. Beyond her official duties, she was a prominent and highly knowledgeable officer in the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Union at the Saginaw VA Hospital. Her expertise in negotiations and union operations made her a sought-after figure, and she was a cherished mentor to coworkers and a maternal figure within the community. In her retirement, Gaylua continued her legacy of care and service by joining Saginaw’s CAC Head Start team as well as dedicating her time to nurturing the children of her family. Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life; she accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church under Rev. R.B. Austin and later, Messiah Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Otis Washington. Gaylua always exuded a loving, gentle nature towards everyone she met. Her compassionate spirit and unwavering grace made her a constant source of love and comfort. Her family was the centerpiece of her heart, and she treasured every moment spent with her five children; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. Her home was the family’s gathering place, filled with warmth and love until her final days. Gaylua’s boundless affection and dedication to her family will be deeply missed and forever cherished. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, her sons, Anderson (Yolanda) Johnson of Portage, Michigan and her son, Brian (Belinda) Johnson of Saginaw, who were also her devoted caregivers. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lynetta (Lionel) Kidd of Frisco, TX, Toni (Isaiah) Davis of Richmond, VA, Rev. LaNesha McCoy DeBardelaben of Seattle, WA, Melody (Marcus) Ponder of Haslet, TX, LaKendra Butler of Richmond, VA, Michael Johnson of Portage, MI, Brandon Johnson of Saginaw, and Trevon Johnson of Las Vegas, NV and her great-grandchildren, A’Perryah Johnson and D’Metra Johnson both of Saginaw, Landon Kidd of Frisco, TX, Morocco and Naseem Davis of Richmond, VA and three great-great-grandchildren. Special memories are also cherished by her special sister-in-law, Mildred Harris-Pratt; special friends Edward Andre (Carla) Mason and Cynthia Bell, other daughters-in-law, Allison Jennings and Debra Johnson; sister-in-law, Joyce Williams; niece, Tammy Williams; nephew, Tony Williams; close friends, Bea Hannah, Edward Hendry, Geraldine Bond, Isabelle Holmes, Laverne Coleman and Joyce Martin, along with many other relatives and friends whom she loved dearly. Gaylua Johnson was preceded in death by her daughters Lynetta Johnson and LaRissa Johnson; son, Michael Johnson; mother, Lillian Williams; father, Charles Evans; granddaughter, Candice Johnson; grandson, James McCoy III; brother, Donald Williams; step-father, Otha Williams; best friend, Sharon Presley; close friends, Alex Farrell, Rose Hatter, and Claudette Williamson, other relatives. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the PACE Program, to caregivers Chavonne Calhoun, Mona Newman, and Kandy and Katie Beaudin, and to all who expressed care. Celebration of Life Service to be held Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11am at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson, Saginaw, MI 48607. Rev. LaNesha DeBardelaben will officiate.

Mrs. Gaylua Yvonne Johnson

December 2, 1936 - June 22, 2024