Joan Johnson

Joan Carol Norton Johnson passed away September 10, 2021 at the age of 83 near the home of her daughter in Santa Ana, California.  She was born on March 21, 1938 in Greybull, Wyoming and was raised almost entirely in the small town of Cowley, Wyoming.

She grew up close to many first cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.  Later she graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Business Education.  While there in Laramie she met her husband of 57 years, Sterling Darwin Johnson. In 1963 she and Darwin moved to La Habra, California where they raised their 5 children and lived for more than 41 years.

After Darwin’s retirement and two missions, they decided to move to St. George.  She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had many opportunities to serve as President of Primary, Young Women and Relief Society, but it was outside of these high profile positions that she served individuals quietly and compassionately without much recognition.

She was so skilled at baking that her homemade dinner rolls and strawberry jam were legendary which she would often take to family, friends and neighbors.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, S. Darwin Johnson and her parents, John Neilsen Norton and Leah Jean Blanchard.

She is survived by her two brothers: “Murf” John (Jolene) and Lyle (Judy) and her five children: Kari Anderson (David), Jana Soares (Eraldo), Don (Ilisa), “JJ” John (Cherie) and Nathan (Molly) and 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

A service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021  at 11:00am at the LDS chapel at 449 South 300 East St George, Utah 84770.  Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George, Utah.

This service will be live-streamed.  Click on the link below