Dana Lee Johnson

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Dana Lee Johnson, age 48, our amazing mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and soon to be grandmother, passed from this earth into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Hockenbury, her mother, Fayetta Hockenbury, her nephew, Daniel M Huber, her niece, Maiyah A. Ortega, and her nephew, Oliver A. Ortega; all of whom we are sure she embraced the moment of her arrival to her heavenly home.

Dana is survived by her loving husband, Carroll B. Johnson; her sons, Kade M. Johnson (and his fiancé, Maia Spanos), Kohlten M. (Kelsey) Johnson,  Kamwren M. (Bethany) Johnson, and daughter, Karlee “Makena” Johnson. Her siblings, Ronnie Hockenbury, Carrie Sue (Dirk) Menzel, and Todd (Leah) Hockenbury. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; whom she loved tremendously.

Dana was born on May 8, 1975, in Owensboro, Kentucky as the youngest child of Jimmy and Fayetta Hockenbury. Her childhood was filled with love, laughter, and making memories. Dana enjoyed many cross-country trips in the family RV, traveling to Kentucky to visit family. Her love and passion for all things Disney was inspired by her many family adventures to Disneyland. As a child, one of her most cherished memories is the absolute pleasure her family took in planning and hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Dana was a 1993 graduate of Granger High School where she was loved by her peers and teachers. She always had a soft spot in her heart for those with special needs and was a great example to all by showing kindness, friendship, and compassion to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

After high school, she attended several Utah colleges in her pursuit to continue her love of learning. However, motherhood is where she found the most pleasure; so, she put her own plans on hold to help raise her four beautiful children.

Dana would tell anyone that being a mother was what brought her the most joy and the biggest sense of accomplishment. She was a very involved parent who enjoyed attending school events, loved cooking, and baking with her children, playing games, taking car rides with the family, and watching her children perform in theater productions. She was well-known by her children’s friends due to her incredible baking skills and was always the most hospitable host. No one ever felt unwelcome or went hungry in her home. She had the largest heart and would thoughtfully choose gifts for friends and family, especially baby gifts. Dana was eagerly anticipating the birth of her first granddaughter and had already begun purchasing clothes and gifts to spoil her.

Dana was a faithful and selfless servant to her family, her community, and her church. She enjoyed baking her famous cinnamon rolls to share with anyone in need of cheering up, birthdays, or church events. She was a lifelong and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She found so much joy in serving as a teacher in both Primary and Sunday School. She loved being a part of the beautiful group of ladies who helped to plan Relief Society events. Dana enjoyed being included in any activity that allowed her to serve others.

Dana loved people and enjoyed getting to know them. From the very moment she met you, she would work hard at getting to know everything about you and your story and what was important to you. She would the use that information to find ways to do kind things and to serve you in your time of need. Dana cared deeply and with all of her heart, which is why she is loved by so many.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Meetinghouse, 3815 Rachel Drive in Santa Clara, Utah, and will be broadcast via Zoom at:  https://zoom.us/j/91735381335