Steven K. Johnson

Steven Kent Johnson was born May 15, 1955 To Gordon and Nancilee (Nancy) Johnson in Iowa City, Iowa. He walked into the arms of Jesus on August 8th, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Renee, and daughter Sarah McKinney (Andy), sons, Nathan Johnson and Nicholas Johnson, grandchildren, Hayden McKinney, Kasaslina McKinney and Andrew McKinney, his mother, Nancy, two sisters, Joy Playle (Greg) and Barbara Johnson, and two nieces, Caitlin Playle and Stacey Playle.


MEMORIES ACCORDING TO DAUGHTER SARAH

I (Sarah) am honored to share my dad's initials and I'll be forever 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 that he graduated with his Masters in pig farming, because we grew up hearing stories of his summers full of adventures in his uncle's pig farm. I always laughed and told him I couldn't wait for my kids were in 4H and he would be able to help with the pigs. Anytime he babysat he would take the kids on a walk to a farm down the road and visit the animals. He would promise them that we (Sarah and Andy) would get them a miniature 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 and later in Zimbabwe. 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 he met in Uganda and married November 15th, 1986 in Uganda. He was so proud of her work as a nurse and her time sharing the Word with the people of Africa.

While serving in Africa they welcomed me, Nathan and Nicholas in 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 prouder 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. AJ 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 leave this world with the confidence and peace of Christ. He wanted his remaining days to glorify Christ. I often watched him in the quiet moments, and he was never angry. He was confident that this was God's plan. In my times of anger, I would look to my dad because he reminded me to give it to Jesus.

Dad passed away at home with praise music playing and all of us holding on to him. I can't imagine a better way to walk into Jesus' arms than having the comfort of your family beside you and the vision of Christ ahead of you.