Donna Johnson

Donna Luella Johnson (Heinzelman), 75, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 5th, 2026. Donna was born on November 22nd, 1951, in Preston, MN, the second of three children born to Fredrick and Norma Heinzelman. Moving to Michigan as a child she enjoyed playing sports with the neighborhood kids and spending time with her two brothers. She met the love of her life and was married to Stanley Eddy Johnson on October 23rd, 1971. They had two children and she devoted her life to them. Her number one goal was for them to enjoy their childhood. Whether it was taking them to little league, Sunday School, or even to tee pee a well-loved friend’s home, she kept them active and laughing. Her home was known to be the fun place for childhood sleepovers where she made the best breakfasts and had creative art projects to work on. She loved her family and was always proud of their accomplishments. Donna was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother pouring her time and talents into not only her family, but also her church. When her children were younger she would often be seen helping out with the children’s programs at the church like Sunday School, Wednesday Night Caravan Meetings, and Vacation Bible Schools. Not only would she teach the children as Mrs. Johnson but as Poppy the clown as well. She put her creativity to work to make special puppets that would not only be of high quality but unique features including a 5 foot long whale that squirted water out of it blowhole. She always hunted for the best deals whether it was couponing groceries, garage sales, or creating something from scratch. She loved putting her artistry talents to good use, to serve and love on people around her. She had painted ceramics for Christmas gifts, including tree ornaments and ten-piece nativity sets. She decorated birthday cakes for her kids, grandkids, numerous family friends, and the graduation cakes were countless. She also painted a variety of wall décor that is still being displayed by those who love her to this day. Donna enjoyed cooking and baking especially during the holidays, her apple pie will be sorely missed. Her family was always fed well and was thankful for the many tasty treats, including the roast beef and homemade noodles. Stanley and Donna moved to Florida in 2008 to get out of the Michigan cold and to spend more time with their new grandchildren. Whether going to Gatorland, playing games, cooking meals or helping with school pickups they loved to spend time with the girls. During her retirement time in Florida Donna continued her love of bowling by joining a bowling league and a writer’s club. She was very proud of her published children’s book which included her retelling of a unique family story. Her true love of her life was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and while she didn’t like thinking about the end of her life here on earth, because she loved her family so much and never wanted to leave them. Her hope and joy was in knowing that she would be spending eternity in Heaven with her Savior. If you didn’t know about Jesus, she was always willing to talk to you about Him. She prayed for those around her and loved worshipping God. Her family misses her but are very thankful she taught them about Jesus and will see her again. You are invited to join her, call on Jesus and be saved. Eternity in Heaven is available to everyone. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Stanley; her children, Aaron Johnson (Mary) of Munger, MI, Kristina Mcgee (Sean) of St. Augustine, FL; her three grandchildren, Keara, Jazmine, Keegan; her brothers George Heinzelman of Bay City, MI and Vaugn Heinzelman of Grand Rapid, MI. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 10th 11am, at Durand Church of the Nazarene. Please RSVP to Aaron Johnson if you can join us afterwards for the luncheon.

Donna Johnson

November 22, 1948 - August 5, 2026