My dad, Steven Kent Johnson was born May 15, 1955 and walked into the arms of Jesus August 8th, 2022. I (Sarah) was honored to share the same initials as my dad and I’ll forever be grateful I carry that with me.
Dad graduated from the University of Iowa in 1979 with his Masters in Agricultural Economics, but we would say he graduated with his Masters in Pig Farming, because we grew up hearing stories of his summer full of adventure on his uncle’s pig farm. I always laughed and told him I couldn’t wait for the day my kids were in 4H, and he would help with the pigs. Anytime he babysat he would take the kids on a walk to the farm down the road and visit the animals. He would promise them that we would get them a goat and they never fail to remind us of that: “Grandpa said you would get us one.”
Dad found a personal relationship with Jesus at the age of 22 while in college. He joined Campus Crusade for Christ in 1979, sharing the Word of Jesus in Uganda. Dad and Jesus had a relationship I strive to have. He had a confidence and passion for Christ that was awe inspiring. He wanted the world to have a relationship with Christ because he knew how important it was to have the Rock of Christ under your feet in good times and bad.
We will forever share Dad’s stories of Africa with people. He was so excited to talk about his time on the coffee and tea plantation; the truck he secured for them that allowed them to succeed. Mom (Renee Johnson) and him met in Uganda and married November 15th, 1986. He was so proud of her work as anurse and her time sharing the Word with the people of Africa. While serving in Africa they welcomed me, Nathan, and Nicholas into the world.
We moved to Orlando with Campus Crusade in 1996 where we joined University Presbyterian Church and remain members to this day.
In 2004 Dad joined UCF registrar’s office. He loved working for them and was so proud to be a Knight.
In 2010 dad walked me down the aisle and I’m so incredibly thankful to have that memory. In 2015 Hayden was born and I have never seen a more proud grandfather. When Kasalina was born in 2018 he sat with me in NICU and was a source of comfort. He prayed with and for me as we watched her gain strength and then come home. They had a special bond and he was always laughing at her antics. Andrew Jr. was born in 2019 and dad was so excited for a grandson. Anytime I came over to get a break he would whisk AJ away and they would explore the neighborhood. A.J would always come back asleep. I am forever grateful that my dad got to love my kids and he helped me teach them about Christ. I know that they will see Grandpa again.
When dad was diagnosed with cancer in May 2022, his motivation was to go with the confidence and peace of Christ. He wanted his life to glorify Christ. I often watched him in the quiet moments and he was never angry. He was confidant that this was God’s plan. In my times of anger I just would look tomy dad because he reminded me to give it to Jesus.
Dad passed away at home with praise music playing and all of us holding onto him. I can’t imagine a better way to walk into Jesus’s arms with the comfort of your family beside you and the vision of Christ ahead of you.