Lawon Patricia “Patsy” (Hinton) Johnson, of Smyrna, DE, was called home on Tuesday August 11, 2026 at the age of 84.

She was born May 9, 1942 to the late Hubert H. Hinton Jr. and Lawon P. (Newton) Hinton. She attended public schools in Washington, D.C. and graduated from McKinley High School in 1959. Patsy, as she is known, then matriculated at and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Bowie State College. Patsy was proud to have been named “Miss Bowie” in 1962/63.

Patsy was a longtime educator for school districts in Prince Georges County, MD and Piscataway, NJ. She resided in various places through the years: Washington, D.C., Piscataway, NJ, Somerset, NJ, Williamsville, NY, Freehold, NJ, Annapolis, MD, Medford, NJ, and most recently, Smyrna, DE.

She loved knitting/crocheting, gardening, sailing, and traveling throughout the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. In addition, she enjoyed cooking/baking, walking, playing piano, cards and board games, and was an outstanding swimmer. Patsy was also a Master Potter – teaching pottery and exhibiting her work at many pottery exhibits and shows. She loved to entertain and enjoyed all holidays.

Patsy was a member of Friends of Distinction (FOD) a Couples/Family Social Club in NJ, the Duck Creek Gardeners of Smyrna, and she attended church wherever she lived.

With her warm, caring manner and positive outlook on life, Patsy is remembered as being easy-going, with smiles and welcoming hugs for all. She was a friend and mentor to many young people over the years, and her guidance and leadership helped many to find their path in life and to follow it – unafraid.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 57+ years, Alvin; her brother, Hubert “Sonny” Hinton III, of Sunrise, FL; her sisters, Celestine (Norman), of Sicklerville, NJ, Ida (Bruce), of Mobile, AL, and Kellene, of Columbia, MD; niece, Tracey (Anthony) of Sacramento, CA; nephew, Kurt (Jennifer), of Sacramento, CA; niece, Drew, of Rosedale, MD; nephew, Richard (Michelle), of Wrightsville, PA; nephew, Lawrence (Bonnie) of Burlington Township, NJ; niece, Sharon, of Willingboro, NJ; and many cousins and close friends (Doris, Sylvia, and Flora).

She is predeceased by her son, Donnel Johnson; her mother, Lawon Underdown; and her German Shephard, Arvaak.

A memorial service is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

To leave a condolence, please see the section below to leave a guestbook entry.

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna, DE.