Circuit Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson

Dawn Caloca-Johnson, 61, passed away May 4, 2025, after being injured in a single-vehicle accident the previous day at Cap San Blas state park. She was on her way to join her husband for a relaxing evening in their camper.
As she entered Heaven, she was surrounded by her husband of 30 years, Ken Johnson, and daughters, Catherine Johnson (26) and Claire Johnson (22). She was blessed with the presence of her sister and dear friends who she deeply cherished.
Dawn had been fighting cancer for nearly a year. She underwent two massive operations that each lasted many hours. She experienced chemotherapy treatments and transitioned to chemotherapy maintenance program after being cancer-free in February 2025. Dawn's medical procedures were performed by a wonderful medical team in Tallahassee. Their expertise, professionalism, empathy, and compassion helped Dawn and her family immensely.
Dawn was convinced her cancer would return someday. Although this would have led to more personal suffering, she was more concerned that those around her who would suffer.
Her accident was a result of some type of sudden medical emergency that caused Dawn's vehicle to leave the road. The tragic accident immediately relieved her of any suffering she may have otherwise experienced. Her husband believes something must have been in the works and only God knew. Ken and his daughters believe in God, as Dawn did, and suspect God's plan ensured Dawn did not experience pain and gave Dawn and family the opportunity to share their love before she left for Heaven.
Dawn was a graduate of the Florida State University College of Law, where in 1992, she graduated with honors. She obtained an undergraduate degree, also with honors, in business management from Jacksonville University. Until she called Tallahassee home, she lived in several US cities and other countries.
Early in her professional legal career, she was in private practice and worked as an attorney for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Between 1998 and 2009, she served the community as a child support hearing officer and general magistrate. In 2009, Dawn was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to service as a circuit judge for the Second Judicial Circuit. Her service continued until her death.
Dawn found comfort at home with family, dogs, horses, and other animals on her little farm in eastern Leon County. She loved cooking, watching cooking shows, and talking on the phone with family and friends. She also enjoyed boating and fishing in the St. Marks area.
Dawn is survived by Ken Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Claire Johnson, her sister, Christina Westmorland, and her two brothers, Christopher Caloca and Mario Caloca. She is preceded in death by Patricia Caloca (mother), Rick Caloca (father), Edward Dickens (biological father), and Jean Dickens (stepmother).
Dawn's memorial celebration will be held at 11:00 AM, EST, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309, a reception will follow at the church's community center. Rocky Bevis and Todd Wahlquist are assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).
As a loving mother, friend, attorney, and judge, Dawn was dedicated to family, faith, justice, public service, and community. There is no better way now and, in the future, to help her memory and work continue than by extending her support and dedication through supporting a foundation that will be providing financial support for the Guardian Ad Litem program and Legal Service of North Florida. If you are interested in helping Dawn and members of our community (especially children), please consider contributing.
In the future, her family, friends and colleagues will continue working toward ensuring the foundation's funds increase through recurring contributions and community fund raising activities.
Memorial contributions can be made to the:
Dawn Caloca-Johnson Memorial Account
C/O First Commerce Credit Union
P.O. Box 6416
Tallahassee, FL 32314