Joan Carol Norton Johnson

Joan Carol Norton Johnson

March 21, 1938 – Sept. 10, 2021

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 and was raised almost entirely in the small town of Cowley. 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 five 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, and she would often take them to family, friends and neighbors.

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

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

A service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 449 South 300 East, St. George, Utah. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George.

The funeral service will be live-streamed. Go to mcmillanmortuary.com. Condolences may be shared at this site, also.

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