Dr. Doris (Laird) Johnson

Dr. Doris Jean Laird Johnson was born on Saturday, August 14, 1937, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida to Isaiah E. Laird and Henrietta Goode Laird.  

Doris graduated from Tivoli High School 1955. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Dietetics, a Master's degree in Education from Duke University, North Carolina and her Doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University, Miami, Florida.

Doris married David Donald Johnson, Sr., on Saturday, September 1, 1956. Doris and David were married 42 years and 11 months before David’s death.

This union was blessed with three children. Doris was an exceptional wife and mother and was always concerned about every aspect of her family’s well-being.

Doris began her working career as an elementary teacher at Chapel Hill Elementary School. Her students thought the world of her and continue to check on her throughout her lifetime. She left Chapel Hill Elementary School and went to Tivoli High School and taught for a number of years before moving to North Carolina where David Sr. was stationed. She taught eighth grade science at Erwin Junior High School near Fort Bragg.

Upon David’s retiring, the family moved back home to DeFuniak Springs. Doris began working for the City of DeFuniak Springs with the Comprehensive Employment and  Training Act (CETA) Program, before returning to her love of teaching at what was then, Okaloosa Walton Junior College. Always thankful to her parents Dr. Johnson left a classroom dedicated to her parents at the college satellite building in DeFuniak Springs. After retiring Doris began full-time ownership of Park Funeral Home. The funeral home was her passion as it belonged to her parents, and she wanted to leave their legacy intact. She served as owner of this facility until her passing.

Dr. Johnson’s professional knowledge in many areas was coupled with her initiative, resourcefulness and tenacity, which aided her community and any workforce she took part in .

Having given her life, to Christ at an early age Doris was united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Argyle, Florida. Doris put all her talents to use for the church. She loved organizing special events, and keeping record of all activities for future use. In 2000, Doris moved her church affiliation to Everlasting Word Church In DeFuniak Springs, Florida to serve alongside her son-in-law, Pastor A. Russell Hughes and daughter Lori.

As a member of Everlasting Word, Doris served as Lead Servant of the Mother‘s Ministry making contact with our new members, sick and shut-in. Doris loved community and always found ways to put her hands to good use.

During the early 80’s she was a member of the United Professionals, longtime member and founder of Democratic Black Caucus in Walton and surrounding communities, the NAACP, and was recognized as a “Woman of Light” with a plaque was placed by the Walton County Heritage Association of DeFuniak Springs Lake Yard. In additional, she was named “2020 Woman of the Year” by the Ladies of Distinction of DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

On Wednesday evening January 28, 2026 the Lord said “Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved employ. The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy master’s joy.”  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Marcus Johnson; a brother, Rodgers E. Laird; and a sister-in-law, Joanna Johnson.

Doris is survived by one sister: Gussie Laird Maynor; two children, David D. Johnson, Jr. (Denise) and Lori (A. Russell) Hughes; three brothers-in-law : Joe (Nellie) Johnson, Russell (Betsy) Johnson, and Jerry Johnson; two sisters-in-law: Mary Johnson, Vivian Johnson Rhodes; three granddaughters: Candace Johnson, Micah Trinidad, Kawaii Johnson, and one grandson, Melvin Brown; great grandchildren: Camryn Johnson, Caitlyn Johnson, A’merie Trinidad, Soleil Trinidad, Camille Trinidad, Aniyla Brown, Aviah Brown, Marlee Brown; two special godsons; Lawrence (Judy) Adams and Bishop Lavaughn (Felicia) Hughes and one goddaughter: Caretha Paul; the loving and dedicated staff of Park Funeral Home: Ronald D. Mitchell, James “Butch” Williams, Elbert Jones and A. Gail Works; special friends, Carolyn Roberson and Vicki Crystal; and many other good Sorors, friends, acquaintances, community collaborators, and relatives.

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