Ms. Deloris Russ Johnson
Ms. Deloris Russ Johnson, age 81, affectionately known by all who loved her as “Lois,” of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Campbellton, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 15, 2026. She was surrounded by love, with her son Corey right by her side. Though saying goodbye is never easy, her family finds comfort in knowing that Lois was called home to rest in the loving arms of the Lord she whom served and loved so dearly.
She was born on September 7, 1944, in Campbellton, Florida, to the late Woodrow and Serena Russ. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and faithful servant of God whose beautiful life touched many people.
Lois was deeply loved, and she loved deeply. She was a woman of faith, family, strength, laughter, style, and conviction. She knew who she was, she knew what she believed, and she never hesitated to stand on it.
Lois accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Everlena Missionary Baptist Church in Florida. She completed her education at St. Paul’s High School in Campbellton, Florida.
In the mid-1960s, Lois relocated to Brooklyn, New York. A few years later, she moved to Buffalo, New York, where she married Herman Granberry. From that union, two children were born, Corey and Sonya Granberry.
In the early 1980s, Lois decided to return to the South. It was there that she met and later married her beloved late husband, Lawrence “Boy Blue” Johnson. Through their marriage, a beautiful, blended family was created. Lois welcomed his four children into her heart and made them her own.
Lois was a longtime and faithful member of New Bethel Church, under the leadership of Pastor Stephen L. Vinson where she was a member of the Usher Board, Floral Club and Sr. Choir. Her church was an important part of her life. She was active in the church, loved her church family, and was deeply loved in return.
Lois loved the Lord, and she was never ashamed to let you know it. Her faith was evident in the way she lived, loved, served, and cared for others.
Throughout her working years, Lois held several positions, including employment with Super Duper, Western Electric, Trico, and ultimately Abbott Laboratories, from which she retired.
Lois was a woman who took pride in herself and her appearance. She was known for her class, style, and elegance and always made sure she looked her best.
She loved to cook, some of her favorite dishes included her famous macaroni and cheese and candied yams. She loved talking on the phone and keeping up with family and friends through Facebook. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy! and the world news.
And if there was one thing Lois was certain to know, it was the weather! She made sure she knew what the weather was doing in just about every city.
Lois was also a longtime member of United Athena Eastern Star Chapter #459, an organization that held a special place in her heart.
Those who knew Lois knew that she was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. At the same time, she was a woman who meant business! She believed things should be clean, neat, and in order, and she was not afraid to let you know it. Her strength, honesty, standards, and loving spirit were all part of the woman she was.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Serena Russ; her husband Lawrence “Boy Blue” Johnson; her brother, O.D. Wilson; her sisters, Dorothy Russ and Elouise Curry; her bonus daughter, Jada Blanks.
Lois leaves to cherish her beautiful memory: her daughter, Sonya Granberry of Buffalo, NY; her son, Corey (LaTonya) Granberry of Orchard Park, NY; her daughter, Cherie (Wayne) Willis of Lawton, OK; her son, Larry Steele- of Rex NC; Son, Mark Steele (Genetha) of Charlotte, NC.
She also leaves to mourn her beautiful memory: her grandchildren: James Scott Jr. of Rex NC, Diamond Granberry of Nottingham, MD, and Damar (Kayona) Bandy of Buffalo, NY; six bonus-grandchildren: (Tiffany, Courtney, Greg Jr. Marcella, Marcus, Michael) and seven beautiful great-grandchildren; five sisters: Frances Russ of Red Springs, NC, Margaret Boyd of Kansas City, KS, Janice Hall of Campbellton, FL, Debbie Pollack (Alphonso) of Marianna, FL, Sharon Russ of St. Petersburg Florida; two brothers, Sherman Russ of St. Petersburg, FL, and Wilson Russ of Campbellton, FL; one son-in-law, Eddie Blanks of Fayetteville, NC; and one sister-in-law, Margarett Johnson of Rex, NC.
Special love remains for her nieces, Wendy Jones of Tampa, FL, and Bridgette (Rafael) Chandler of St. Paul, NC; and a special son, the Reverend Jason (Maureen) Keith of Buffalo, NY, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and dear friends who will forever cherish the memories she created.
Public visitation will be Friday, August 28, 2026, 4-6 PM, in the M. Sue & Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street in Graceville, Florida.
A home going celebration will begin at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 29, 2026, the M. Sue & Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street in Graceville, Florida.
She will be laid to rest in the Saint Paul/New Bethel Cemetery in Campbellton, Florida under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.