Delores J Johnson

Delores Johnson, affectionately known to generations of families as “Aunt Delores,” passed away peacefully, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, service, and community. Born in 1937, Delores transformed her natural gift for nurturing into a lifelong mission of care and education, founding Aunt Delores Child Care in Union Park, Florida — a beloved neighborhood institution that cared for children for more than 38 years.

From the Orange County Convalesce Home to childcare.

Aunt Delores was a pioneer in personal, family-centered childcare, opening her doors to neighborhood children in the mid-1960s. What began as a favor for a neighbor soon blossomed into a full-time business shaped by compassion, trust, and heart. With a warm smile and unmatched devotion, she welcomed hundreds of children through her doors — and in many cases, their children and grandchildren decades later.

Delores remained a nurturing presence in the lives of the children until her retirement, often seen kneeling down to comfort a crying child or remembering each one’s story with incredible care and clarity.

Delores was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Johnson; brothers Warren McDonald and William Collins, her children, Duane Martin, Tonia Martin Myers, and Bobby Wallen; and her grandson, Lawrence “Larry” Martin.

She is survived by her loving son Lawrence “Red” Martin (Joyce) and son Dennis Martin (Kerie); Bonus children Hank Wallen and Vicky Wallen-Andrews her cherished grandchildren Donna “Christy” Kirtland (John), Buddy Favor (Sarah), Christy Wood (Dale), Nikki Martin, Ashley Andino (Gus), Robert Wallen (Kimberly), Corra-Lynn Thrailkill (Yamia), Taylor Bennett and Kayla Wallen Marco. As well as two James' "bonus" grandchildren and two girls, Samin and Danielle. And countless great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved unconditionally.

She is also survived by her dear siblings James McDonald, Sandra Smoak, and Margaret Ruth McDonald Price, and sister in Christ Gloria Bellis who remember her as the heartbeat of the family and the soul of every gathering.

Delores’ heart always remained close to her roots. A native Floridian, she loved a slow pace of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a children’s charity or early childhood education program in her memory — a fitting tribute to a woman who spent her life shaping the lives of so many.

Her memory lives on in every smile, every kind word, and every child she helped raise. Aunt Delores will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Delores Johnson’s life will be held at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill on Monday June 30th, 2025 at 5:00pm.