Helen Johnson Obituary

Helen Evelyn Johnson

September 8, 1926 October 21, 2022

Helen "Evelyn " was born to Edward and Gertrude Brown. She was third to the youngest of 14 children. She lived during the time of the Great Depression, learning to work hard and be grateful for what she had, making her frugal and not afraid to work hard for what you wanted or needed.

She attended elementary and high school in Waverly, Il. After graduating high school, She was offered a civil service job in Washington D C , but her parents felt it was not safe to go off to the big city. She stayed in Waverly and worked in a factory in a nearby town, working for the war effort during World War II.

In third grade she told her best friend that she was going to marry Charles Harney Jr. and in March of 1947 she did just that. Evelyn and Charles became parents of three children, Stephen, Karen ,and Brenda .

In 1963 they moved the family to Santa Maria, Ca. She started working at VAFB nursery after her divorce from Charles. In 1969, she married William Johnson and was married to him for 47 years until his death in 2016.

She went to work for Miller Street school for 22 years as a noon duty aide.

The children knew her as "grandma" and even after retirement the former students would see her on the street and still call her "grandma".

She had a love of music and sang in the church choir, played the piano by ear, and folk danced for over 45 years. She was forever making up songs with cute little sayings about her kids and grandkids.

She was a strong believer in Christ and knew she was going to Heaven!!

She had a strong love of her family and was so proud of all of them. She would often say how blessed she was to have such wonderful children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great- great- grandchildren.

She leaves behind her children, Stephen Harney, Karen Everson, Brenda Cangi, grandchildren; Scott Harney, Christy Pepper, Jennifer Lane, Kevin Cangi, great- grandchildren; Felicia Rodriquez, Caden Pepper, Averi Pepper, Rian Pepper, and her great- great -grandhildren; Jerrik Rodriquez, Amearah Rodriquez, and Onyx Romero.

She also leaves behind her sweet 14 year old Yorkie, Misty, whom she loved so, so much.

We want to thank Marian Regional Medical Center, Dr. Thomas Hsia, Dr. Bandura, Dr. Samuel Miller, the many nurses and aides, and Central Coast Hospice for their excellent care.

A graveside service will be held on November 3rd at 3 pm @ Space 76. Arrangements are in the care of Lori Family Mortuary.

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

Published by Santa Maria Times on Nov. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Johnson

Sponsored by Lori Family Mortuary - Santa Maria.

11 Entries

Linda Roberts

February 2, 2023

I just Learned of Aunt Evelyn´s death. My mom, Mildred Brown Roberts was her sister. I hope that you see this note and that I send my condolences. Oh, how Aunt Evelyn could play that big old upright piano! Sending my love to you. Linda Roberts, living at The Villas of Holly Brook in Chatham, IL

Angelika Stock

November 3, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Shirley & Wayne Barbarick

November 1, 2022

Karen,
Your mother Helen was a lovely lady. We enjoyed talking with her. May you have sweet memories of her!
Shirley & Wayne Barbarick

Shaun Murphy

November 1, 2022

We are deeply saddened to hear of losing Aunt Evelyn. I will always remember her seemingly limitless warm positive energy and her love for her family, dogs, song, and dancing! She will be missed and we will keep her family in our thoughts.

Janice (Druktenis) Murphy

November 1, 2022

I'm at a loss for words in losing my Aunt Evelyn. I'm sure of one thing though. She's in heaven playing CANASTA with all her sisters. I can just picture it.

Loretta Middleton

November 1, 2022

I remuneration Aunt Evelyn very well. She was always sweeping her kitchen floor after every meal.
I could go on and on. She was very special to me. They lived appt 3 blocks from us so we saw her often. Her sisters use to get together weekly to play cards. Oh what a day. Of course us cousins got to play together. Which also was a great day!

Craig K. Oye

November 1, 2022

Evelyn & William were my Grandma´s and Aunts neighbors.

They came into my life when I was an early teen going through a rough time in my life, in early 1982.

Evelyn always treated me like I was one of her children which made me feel good during that trying time. She taught me that I could trust people again.

From that point on I became friends with Evelyn and William. I´ll always remember them coming to my High School & College graduations which will always mean the world to me.

Forty years later, nothing has changed.

Fly with the Angels Evelyn.

CONNIE FONTAINE

October 31, 2022

Karen,
I have so many great memories of your mom she was such a big part of our lives. I will always hold her memories close, Rest in Peace my dear friend.

The Fontaine Family

Penny

October 31, 2022

I loved my Aunt Evelyn! She was loving and funny! She lit up a room when she entered! Love you! Penny

Sharon Stone

October 31, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kent and Sheila Meiers

October 31, 2022

Deepest Sympathy!

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