Obituary: Dillon Johnson, 25

Information and photo via The Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home

Dillon Johnson entered peaceful rest on April 5th, 2023, in Wilmington, DE. Having celebrated his 25th birthday the week before in Dover, DE, he was traveling through Wilmington to visit family.

He is survived by his parents, Scott Johnson of Wayne, NJ and Joya Odedra Johnson of Camden, DE; his brother Vijay Johnson (fiancé Katie Wallace) of Dover, DE; his grandmothers, Sheila Johnson of Milford, Conn., and Jethiben Odedra; His Uncle Carl Eric Johnson of New York City, NY; Aunt Kerstin J. Yocis (husband Brian) of Medford, MA. Dillon is also loved by many friends who consider him family. His grandfathers, Carl Vernon Johnson and Maldebhai Odedra predeceased him.

Dillon grew up in an Air Force family and spent his early life overseas. Born in Bitburg, Germany, he also lived in Tokyo and Singapore.

During his youth, he traveled with his family to China, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, and England, and traveled to India and Connecticut several times to visit his extended family.

Many only knew Dillon through the eyes of his years-long struggle with substance abuse disorder. Those fortunate enough to have known the true Dillon will say he had a good soul to the core. He was generous to a fault, eager to give even if he had nothing. He was a non-judgmental, caring, and loving man. He never passed up the chance to say, “I love you,” and hug you. He cared for and connected with people, constantly asking, “How are you doing?”

He was a hopeless optimist who would brighten a room, never to be caught without his huge infectious smile, even in the most trying times. His friends describe him as a healer of others, saving others who were struggling. He was brilliant and perceptive, an excellent student who enjoyed discussing deep subjects like spirituality, philosophy, and literature.

Dillon was quite the entertainer, most happy playing guitar and singing. He performed on sidewalks and outside pubs and churches around Dover. He was a creative talent: writing songs, creating visual art, making jewelry, telling stories, and writing poetry. His childhood YouTube video creation, “The Muffin Song by DJ,” has over 18,000 hits.

He was a fun goofball character with several nicknames: Dill Pickle, Jawnson, DJ, Jay, Silly Dilly and Mowgli. No matter what, he was always smiling. He is missed by all that had the pleasure to know him.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 20th, from 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the American Legion, East Shore-Post 196, 25 Merwin Ave., in Milford.

The interment will be private.

Donations may be made to: Code Purple Kent County, 1207 E Division St. Dover, DE 19901. www.codepurpledelaware.com.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.