August 17, 1936 was a very hot day in Lubbock, TX - when Letha Laynette made her grand entrance into the waiting arms of her parents, Harold and Murline Davis, at 6:35 am. It wasn't long before those pretty red curls began to show up and along with that came a strong determination, which would serve her well throughout life.

Laynette was a happy child and dearly loved by her parents. At the age of 13 months, she contracted crippling polio and her life had forever changed. She could no longer run and play and had to endure long stays at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.  Separation from family was very difficult, but she had a strong determination and did not let it defeat her.

During her teen years she met a handsome young guy at church - Wendell Griffin - they fell in love, got married, she finished high school and eventually they started a family.  Her love for the Lord, her family, music and world missions was evident in everything she did. She served her local Church of the Nazarene in Grand Prairie, TX, as well as the General Church of the Nazarene, through serving as Dallas District Missionary President. Laynette had a sharp mind and a strong love for the Lord and His Word, as well as being gifted in music. She taught piano lessons in her home for years and had a beautiful singing voice.

Laynette and Wendell made a great team in everything they did in their 38 years of marriage. Wendell endured a long battle with cancer and went to be with his Lord in 1991. A few years later, a dear pastor friend introduced Laynette to Milton Johnson, another wonderful Christian man. They married and enjoyed 23 years together before he, too, made it to Heaven.

Laynette realized she needed to be close to her family, so she moved to OKC, joined Trinity Church of the Nazarene and settled in. It wasn't long before the family realized memory loss was increasing, and more structured care was needed. She spent her last days at Sommerset Neighborhood Assisted Living.

Laynette was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Harold and Murline Davis, a sister, Ann Davis, husband, Wendell Griffin, a daughter, Sheree Hayes, and second husband, Milton Johnson.

Survivors include: a daughter - Teresa Williams, and a son - Doug Griffin (Jeanne).
Laynette was "Granna"  to Annette Williams, Cody Williams, Andrea Graham, Autumn Guyer, Danée Boland, Shawn Hayes, Kevin Hayes, Austin Griffin and Kara Cranston, along with quite a few great grandchildren and two more on the way.

Other survivors include two sisters: Haroldene (Larry) Parkes and Rhonda (Leon) Hendrix, along with two nephews and one niece.

When Laynette married Milton Johnson, she gained a strong bond with his grown children and they have remained a big part of her life. Thank you Chuck, Leigh and Jill, for your many kind and loving ways to Laynette.

And to all of you who have known and loved our Mother across the years, thank you for enriching her life. If she could talk to you today, she would likely challenge you to make a difference in someone's life by sharing Jesus with them! And she will be waiting for you in Heaven!