LaToya Hatch

On August 25, 1978 at 3:29 pm LaToya Shambray Johnson- Hatch came into this world. She was the 1st child of Lee (Dorothy) Johnson and Paula Tillman. She was a good baby, she awoke every morning laughing. But her 1st eight years were not easy for her. She withstood a serious illness and nine brain surgeries but was able to come back even stronger.

By the time she was 3 years old we knew God had blessed her with a beautiful singing voice, anything she sang sounded like a gift from heaven. LaToya sang in the Steele Jr, High choir, the Muskegon High School choir and the Muskegon High School Symphony choir. LaToya received her high school diploma from Muskegon High School in 1997.

As she grew older she continued to develop additional medical issues but she never lost her ability to laugh and make others laugh as well.

Her father blessed her with four sisters: Larcenia Renee (David) Smith, Michelle (Michael) Jackson, Asia Johnson, and Leah Johnson. She was always proud of being their big sister and would be there for them whenever she was needed. She also enjoyed being the little sister of her adopted sister, Traci Tillman.

She is also survived by her Uncle Frederick Tillman, Aunts Lisa (Michael) Roberts sr., Harriet Johnson, Annette Tillman, and Ida Racklin. She enjoyed the love of her cousins Yavonda Mack-Williams, Frederick (Tony) Burton- Cook, Shayalondra (Derrick) Sims, David (Larcenia) Smith and her heart Michael Roberts Jr., her step-father, Tyree Butler; God-mother Sharon Murdaugh and God-Cousins Latonya and Deitrice Murdaugh. The love of her life Derreckus Ross and a host of great nephew, nieces and cousins.

LaToya was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Hatch; grandparents; Uncles, Willie Racklin and Charlie Tillman Jr., Aunt Janice Tillman-Smith, and Cousin Keyara Williams.

A Celebration of LaToya’s life will take place on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 12:00-2:00 PM at Spring Street Baptist Church, 912 Spring Street Muskegon, with Reverend Dr. Dwayne Banks officiating.