A life of quiet resolve, impact on those blessed to know her and faithful service to the God she served came to a peaceful end March 23, 2026 in her Natchitoches, Louisiana residence comforted by caring family. God, in His infinite wisdom, lovingly transported her from time to eternity to a place of eternal rest. He said, “Well done”!

This gentle and soft-spoken lady was born in Pineville, LA January 27, 1971 to Emma W. Johnson and Huey Johnson both of Natchitoches, Louisiana. She brought immeasurable joy to their lives.

It was during her youth that she confessed a belief in “Jesus” as her personal Savior, was water baptized and united with the First Baptist Church on Amulet Street under the leadership of the late Pastor H. B. Barnum. As she grew spiritually, she became a member of the Agape Love Center Church shepherded by the late Pastor Johnny Davis where her faith continued to expand and guide her life.

DeVel will be remembered for her strength, her quiet grace, and the love she so freely gave to her family and those closest to her. She carried a quiet emotional resilience that showed in how she lived, how she loved, and how she endured. The light she carried will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and her presence will be deeply missed.

She was a proud graduate of Natchitoches Central High School, Class of 1989. She went on to dedicate many years of faithful service to Alliance Compressor, where she worked as a respected Team Leader for over 26 years. She took pride in her work, but even more, she valued the relationships she built along the way. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and leadership left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working alongside her.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Christopher M. Payne and son, Patrick W. Johnson, Jr.; her maternal grandparents, George D. Williams, Essie Moore Williams, and Clara Nash Williams of Clarence, Louisiana and her paternal grandparents, Herman Johnson and Rosie Bradley.

Her light will continue to illuminate the lives of those who knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory her parents, Emma W. Johnson of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Huey Johnson (Vivian) of Clarence, Louisiana; her daughter, DiQuan L. Johnson of Natchitoches, Louisiana; her beloved grandchildren, Khloe L. Johnson, Nae'Lani Johnson, Kason Johnson, and Malachi McIntosh, all of Natchitoches, Louisiana; her sisters, Theresa Renee Johnson of Fort Wayne, Indiana, whose unwavering dedication and care never left her side, Shondrika Johnson, Tiffany Johnson, and Kristie Phillips of Clarence, Louisiana; her dear friend, who was more like a sister, Teenie Rose Payton; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of love, strength, and faith will continue to live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.