Darlene Marie Johnson

Darlene Johnson, born on June 13th, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, was a beloved daughter to Gloria and Edward Marlowe. The second of eleven siblings, she learned early on the value of family and community, a legacy she carried throughout her life. In 1962, she married the love of her life, Eugene Johnson, and together they built a beautiful family. Darlene graduated from John Muir High School in 1966 and pursued her passion for early childhood development at Los Angeles Trade Tech, a career that would later become her life's calling.

In 2018, Darlene reaffirmed her faith and dedicated her life to Christ, a testament to her deep spirituality and enduring grace. She had a distinguished career, working at both Prudential Insurance and Shell Oil Refinery, where she made lifelong friends and connections.

Darlene was a woman of many passions. She loved music, dancing, and attending concerts, always the life of any party. Her gift for cooking brought her family together, especially during holidays and family trips, which she meticulously planned with love and care. Her family was her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. In 1996, Darlene turned her passion for nurturing into a business, opening her own daycare. Over 26 wonderful years, she helped raise more than 50 children, all of whom

became an extended part of "Mimi's" family. Her daycare was a place filled with love, laughter, and life lessons, and she took great pride in watching each child grow and thrive under her care.

Known for her impeccable style, Darlene was a true diva—always fashionable, always bold, and always herself. Her vibrant personality left an impression on everyone she met.

Darlene now joins in eternal peace her parents, Gloria and Edward Marlowe, her beloved grandmother Clementine Buchanan, Benjamin Buchanan, Janice Washington, her uncle Roy Buchanan, her husband Eugene Johnson, her grandson Kobe Davis Randall, and her great-niece Kalisha King.

Darlene’s legacy of love, family, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. She leaves behind not just a family, but a community forever enriched by her presence.

Rest in peace, Darlene, knowing your love and light will forever shine in the lives of those you nurtured and cared for.

Darlene is survived by her loving children: Toni (Stanley Hollis), Greg (Dia Johnson), Racquel (Jamar Rembert), sons, Shawn and Bouche (Nancy Outley). She was a proud grandmother to 18 beautiful grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, each one a light in her life. Darlene also held a special place in her heart for her nephew Desmond, whom she raised as a son, and her nieces Sasha and Toy, whom she raised as her daughters.