Zellafern Johnson, age 89, of Oak Grove died unexpectedly at home on March 14, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at our Isanti Chapel. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service on Wednesday.
Zellafern “Sally” Mary Golden Johnson was born on May 31, 1923 to Geo C. and Mary (Schlegel) Golden in Minneapolis, the fourth of seven siblings. She graduated from high school in Siren, Wis. On March 30, 1944, she married Donald Johnson in Minneapolis. They had five children together, giving each a name that started with the letter “D.” Sally was a caretaker at The Buckingham Apartments in Minneapolis for over 30 years. She enjoyed all the interactions one got to have with so many different people — and Sally loved cleaning and making things tidy. Her hobbies included crochet and bird watching. She was known for her contagious and mischievous smile.
Sally was a ray of sunshine that always attracted others to her. She loved and always had time for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
When her health declined a year and a half ago, Sally moved in with her son Sunny and his family. They lovingly cared for her until her death.
Sally died in the loving presence of her caregivers Jennifer and Linda Johnson at their home in Oak Grove, Minn. on Thursday evening, March 14, 2013 at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her son Dennis “Sunny” Johnson three weeks ago; her husband Donald Johnson; three brothers: Christian (Buster) Golden, Ernest Golden, Gus Golden; and sister Adeliene (Tootie) Crapps.
Sally is survived by children Donald “Val” Johnson of Oak Grove, Darwin Johnson of St. Louis Park, Darrell Johnson of Brooklyn Center and Darlene (Moe) Allen of Rolfe, Iowa; daughter-in-law Linda Johnson of Oak Grove; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings Val (Lorraine) Golden of Andover and Donna Simms of Andover.
tammy parks says
I met Zellafern a few times and she was a very sweet woman and sad that she passed so suddenly i hope the family finds peace that she is with her son agian and is no longer in pain I wish that family alot of love and support god bless linda, jenn and all of the family and friends she left behind
Deb Simms says
R.i.p.aunt sally,i have so many wonderful memories-the stories, the laughs, that contagious smile-i will love you always, till we meet again..
Beverly Glushyn says
Sally,
Thanks for the wonderful and happy memories we created through the years.
Your caring and joyful heart touched many people’s lives and I will carry those memories in my heart until we are reunited once again. My thoughts and healing
prayers go out to your family members during this difficult time.
All my love and gratitude for being the special person you were…we will all miss
you!
jay says
RIP aunt sally we miss you lots memories of going to Duluth in my dads van every weekend
I will always love you
danny (moe) says
u will be greatly missed but will always have the great memories of all fun times we had will always love you
Anna Karn says
Dear Aunt Sallie ,
Only time moves onto the next scene
,
Your Memory remains part of my heart
FOREVER !
Any time i ever visited you out of the blue you always had an amazing smile and a WONDERFUL hug for me Thankyou I will miss you very much
I pray for all your closest loved ones GOD BLESS YOU ALL
.
Denell says
Sorry for the loss such a sweet lady. Goodbye Grandma. God has a new and beautiful flower for his garden. So sorry Dad for your losses in the last 3 weeks.