Melva June Johnson

FUNERAL HOME

Willow Glen Funeral Home

1039 Lincoln Ave

San Jose, California

Melva Johnson Obituary

Melva June Johnson
Resident of Boulder Creek
Melva June Johnson, age seventy-nine, of Boulder Creek, California, passed away peacefully at her home on April 21, 2013.
Melva was born in Oakland, California on April 15, 1934 to Frank and Allie Cox. She graduated with her degree in Education from California State University, San Jose during the spring of 1955; and enjoyed her life as a mom and homemaker on the Johnson Family Farm for over forty-nine years. She was married to Albert J. Johnson on July 3, 1954 in San Jose, California; and had a devoted marriage for over fifty-one years.
Melva was very active in her church. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and enjoyed her time in prayer and Bible study growing closer to Jesus on a daily basis. Melva had a passion for travel, cultures, and ministries around the world.
Melva is survived by her children Janet Johnson, Michael Johnson (Aolele Johnson), Rob Johnson (Terry Johnson), and Susan Crow (Wade Crow); and her eight grandchildren Chris Johnson, Tiffany Crow, Tim Johnson, Andy Johnson, Lisi Johnson, Livi Johnson, Jordan Johnson, and Tyler Crow.
Melva is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Calvin Cox, sister Aileen Wellman, and oldest son Steven Johnson.
A memorial service will be held at High Street Community Church in Santa Cruz, California on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 1:30 in the afternoon. Don Ferris, pastor and personal friend of the Johnson family will be conducting the service.
Melva has touched many lives over the years and was deeply loved by her friends, neighbors, and church family. The Johnson family would like to thank these dear people for their contribution to the beautiful life that Melva lived.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Apr. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Melva Johnson

6 Entries

Cathleen Lynch

September 14, 2013

I met Melva over 10 years ago while we both did Awana at the Felton Church. She has been a mentor to me in my spiritual life and a dear friend. Melva was a prayer warrior and I treasure our friendship and wonderful conversations. Heaven is brighter now that she is there and with her Lord and loved ones. Our loss is heavens gain. I will always remember her sweet smile and loving disposition. I treasure all my notes and cards of inspiration and support.
God put Melva in my life when I really needed motherly understanding and she helped me so much. May God bless you all and keep her memories sweet in your minds.

Alex Elsaesser

July 11, 2013

I just saw the news on Facebook about the Johnson Farm being sold. Then saw that Melva died in April. We exchanged Christmas Cards for many years. I first met Al & Melva in the early 70's when they took an amazing risk: they allowed a large bunch of " Jesus Freaks " to hold a Festival of the Son on their lovely farm. I was a brand new Christian and came on the small team to get things ready. Al and Melva and their young family were so gracious and generous to this crazy group of zealous, young Christians. I never forgot their kindness and it was lovely to keep in touch as we moved to Britain to do church work. Renie and I send our sympathy and love to the family.

Ethelyn and Al McCracken

May 13, 2013

I met Melva but once or twice, and have heard so many wonderful thngs about her. I am sure she will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. It must be a great comfort to all to know she trused Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord. We can be sure she is with Jesus now. May God's peace and love comfort you at this time.

Cheri Andrews

May 12, 2013

Melva and Al were the first ones to greet us at SLV Baptist. We were coming from San Jose every Sunday to attend and hear Darryl. When our boys were old enough to go to summer camp - Melva was the faithful Memory Verse lady and made sure the scholarships that the kids got were earned from learning these verses. Steve and I enjoyed many fun parties at the ranch and always loved visiting with Melva. She was such a great lady and will be sorely missed - Love-Cheri and Steve Andrews

Patti Morrone

May 3, 2013

Dearest family of Melva,

It is almost certain I have never met some of you but I do remember meeting Rob. I am Dallas and Ruth DeLap's oldest girl who lived many years in San Jose. There were many times we, our two sons and myself, visited Mom and Dad at Two Bar Ranch and had the pleasure of interacting with your Mother and Father. It was always a great experience to be in the country. I remember swinging on the swing with your Mother and one time I had to look high and low to find her on your expansive acreage. She was talking to our Heavenly Father and listening to Him as she meditated on his Word. Such wonderful people, through and through. Dad loved your Dad, Al, even more than anyone has the capability to love his sibling brother. Dad certainly didn't want to move away but Mom yearned for more time in the Rouge Valley. When Daddy was very sick in June of 1997, your Mother and Father drove to Southern Oregon to visit, once again, knowing it more-than-likely would be the last time. I was there that weekend as well and was delighted to see your family. Now I can just see them working hard for our Savior, continually joking and laughing as they praise our loving God. I have Mom's Bible given to her by your Mother and Father in memory of Daddy.

Just a note of sympathy for each of you who are so fortunate to be family, friends of neighbors.

When we all get to heaven...

Patti DeLap Morrone

Misa Garavaglia

May 3, 2013

I first met Melva when my daughters were in the Awana program that she was a volunteer in for decades. Always ready with a smile and word of encouragement, I knew she was a jewel worth knowing.

When I went up the farm I loved to visit with Melva. She lit up as she told me about the latest adventures of her grandchildren. Her heart for her family was deep and strong. She shared the history of the farm with me one day, talking about the transition from living in the Bay Area to becoming a farm mom. The joy she found in the land was overflow from her love for its Creator. And so too, her heart of service to many people.

Melva and I were both part of a small prayer group for a while. Her dedication to come early to church each week belied her years. During the school year, Melva was in the kitchen each Sunday morning before the service, cooking lunch for the college student ministry. When she wasn't cooking, she was praying. Well, she was praying with us. My guess, knowing Melva, is that she was praying while she was cooking, too. Melva's prayers were wise, like her thoughts. 70+ years of praying and following hard after Yeshua is bound to bring some wisdom and hers just leaked out even when she tried to hold it in.

At 75 she told me of her deep desire to go through the Ignatius Spiritual Exercises. Someday, she said, she was going to do it. And at 78 she did. This year, at 79, she was doing the second year called the Principle and Foundation, with me. We have been challenged all year to let God have His way in our lives- to find what brings us life and lean into it with all our might. This includes letting go of anything that would hold us back from receiving all of God and giving Him all of ourselves in return. It involves detaching from all things mortal so that we can become fully attached to the Giver of Life.

After she got the diagnosis that the very disease that her grandson had battled victoriously as a child was going to end her life, her eyes sparkled with joy. She held the hands of her longtime friend and pastor and said that she was really living the Principle and Foundation. She was now to let go of all that kept her from being fully present with her God.

Melva was loved by those who knew her. She was a jewel that shone with the brilliant light of her Beloved's life. And now that jewel rests in His very crown.

We miss you, Melva. May your legacy of love be lived out by all who knew you on this side on Heaven.

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