Lisa Johnson

In Loving Memory of Lisa (Martin) Johnson
June 29, 1964 — December 31, 2025

Lisa, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of light, optimism, and unwavering faith.

The desert held a special allure for Lisa from a young age. After marching in the 1980 Fiesta Bowl Parade as Captain of the JFK Kolleen Dance line, Lisa, and her best friend fell in love with the Phoenix sun. They hatched a plan to move to Arizona in 1985 to work and eventually attend Arizona State University (ASU) as residents.

While the plans to attend ASU changed, Lisa's heart found a permanent home in the desert when she met the love of her life, Robert, and married in 1993. Lisa was a true social butterfly who never met a stranger; she greeted everyone with a radiant smile and an open heart. She and Robert built a vibrant life together, surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends and neighbors. Their home was often filled with music and laughter—whenever Prince or Stevie Wonder came on, Lisa and Robert could be found dancing together, lost in the rhythm and each other's company. Over the decades, they cultivated deep, long-lasting relationships with their neighbors, turning their community into an extended family. Her friends and neighbors will deeply miss her infectious optimism and the genuine warmth she brought to every gathering.

Professionally, Lisa's career spanned from U-Haul to medical records coding. After the birth of her daughter, she found great fulfillment as an in-home childcare provider. A lifelong enthusiast of dance, she also shared her energy as a certified Aerobics and Silver Sneakers instructor, helping others stay active and joyful.

A devoted Christian, Lisa rooted her life in Bible study, weekly prayer, and caring for others. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her two granddaughters and one grandson.

On December 31, 2025, Lisa was called home to be with her Heavenly Father.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her devoted husband, Robert; her children, Alexa (Luis), Drew (Sonia), and Austin; and her grandchildren, Jeremiah, Danielle, and Ruth. She is also survived by her sisters, Sherry (Michael) and Mary (Gary); her father- and mother-in-law, Theron and Jewel Holland; five sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who adored her.

Lisa treasured the beautiful bond formed through her mother's marriage to Clark Smith, which brought her additional siblings whom she held close to her heart: Roy and Tina Smith, and her step-siblings Tammira Bauer (John), David Smith (Janet), and Steven Smith.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Cheryl Martin-Smith; her brother, Michael Martin; and her stepfather, Clark Smith.

Lisa touched every life with warmth, kindness, and unwavering love

Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.