Latoya Denise Johnson

Latoya Denise Johnson, beloved daughter, devoted mother, treasured sister, and cherished friend, passed from this life on July 21, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 10, 1986, in Dayton, Ohio, Latoya’s vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness left an indelible impression on all privileged to know her.

From her earliest years, Latoya exhibited a profound devotion to family, a trait that remained constant throughout her life. She graduated from Wayne High School in 2004, where her optimism and keen intellect won her many friends and admirers. Latoya's education was merely a foundation for the greater lessons she imparted through her daily acts of love, humor, and generosity.

Latoya’s life was an embodiment of generosity and compassion. Her personality radiated warmth—she was kind, caring, loving, humorous, and always giving. Latoya never wavered in her priorities; her children and family were the unwavering center of her universe. She cultivated a home filled with laughter, affection, and comfort, ensuring that those dear to her never doubted the depth of her love.

Her journey on earth was marked not only by her devotion to others but also by the zest with which she embraced life’s pleasures. Latoya found joy in the simple things: losing herself in the pages of a good book, the artistry of cosmetics, the soothing rhythms of music, and most of all, the company of family. These pursuits reflected her thoughtful inner world and her commitment to nurturing both herself and those she loved.

Latoya’s memory will be sustained by her loving mother, Rhonda Avery, and her devoted father, Archie Steward. Her legacy endures in her children: Aniya Flowers, Dayon Johnson, Lanaya Johnson, and Sariah Johnson. She is remembered with deep affection by her siblings—Yolanda (Jason) King, Shanice (Michael, Sr.) Rodgers, LaShaye Avery, and Jason Barton, Sr.—as well as her cherished nephews Jason Jr., Jayon, Jayden, Julian Jr., Bentley, and Michael Jr.; nieces, Jream, Jazlyn, and Journey. Her grandfather, Godfrey (Sandy) Avery, Sr., mourns her loss alongside the family she so tenderly cared for as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also survived by dear friend Jordyn Taylor.

She joins in eternal rest her sister, Telysha Mansell, and her beloved grandmother, Sarah Ann Avery, whose memories remain treasured by those who survive her. She is also preceded in death by aunts, Jewel Avery, Shirley "Bug" Mallory, Brenda "Pookie" Brown, and Vicky Brown. 

Family and friends will gather to honor Latoya’s remarkable life and spirit on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Visitation will be held from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Dayton, located at 4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45424. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM at the same location. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, at Woodland Avenue, Dayton, OH 45409.

As we bid farewell to Latoya Denise Johnson, we carry in our hearts the light she shared and the love she poured so freely into the lives of those around her. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family remains a guiding presence for those she leaves behind.