Joan Davis Johnson, 89, passed away peacefully March 26, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by her loving husband and children. Joan was born October 15, 1933, in Mesa, Arizona. She was the second of seven children born to Mason and Eva Ipsen Davis.
Joan was baptized in the historic Salt Lake City Tabernacle when her family lived in Salt Lake City for two of her grade-school years. Her sisters were her favorite childhood friends. After moving back to Mesa, they enjoyed swimming at Mesa’s “Rendezvous” pool, and dancing at the “Mezona.” Joan also enjoyed church youth activities like camping and tubing at Saguaro Lake. Her dearest friend, Donna Millett, lived with the Davis family to attend high school and Seminary. Joan attended the Mesa Public Schools, serving as Student Body Vice-President, and graduating from Mesa High in 1951 as Valedictorian.
Joan loved life. She adored her husband and children. Her greatest joy was being a wife and mother. Joan met her future husband, Egon, at a party held in his honor before he left for missionary service. They were married shortly after his return and began married life as college students. Joan cheered Egon through medical school and many moves during Army days, including a tour of Vietnam, before they settled back to Mesa. Theirs was a true lifelong love story, a beautiful example to their six children.
Blessed with many talents, Joan was an excellent teacher and a gifted musician and composer. She played the piano for college ballet classes at BYU. She also played violin with symphonies in Columbus, GA, and Snowflake, AZ, as well as viola with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra in the Hollywood Bowl. Music floated through her home, spreading hope, comfort, and love. Joan and family also hosted exchange students through the years.
Joan was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society President. She loved being a missionary and sharing her testimony of Jesus Christ throughout her life. Joan served church missions while in high school on weekends at Ft. McDowell, playing a portable pump organ for worship services, and teaching Sunday School. She later served with her husband, Egon, in the Southwestern States, Argentina, and Colombia, where she served speaking Spanish in the Bogota Temple. Joan was lovely and beautiful in every way and was surrounded by a wide circle of family and friends all the days of her life.
She is survived by her sweetheart of 70 years, Egon Victor Johnson, and children: Michael (Wendy) Johnson; E. Kristy (Sterling, deceased) Tanner; Brent (Cheryl) Johnson; Laura (Dennis) Crandall; David (Tiffanie) Johnson; and Julie (Jason) Chaffetz. Joan’s siblings include Evangeline (Ray, deceased) Russell; Louise and Leo Kay, (both deceased); Bette (Larry, deceased) Lines; Karen (Russell) Flake; Mason and Betty Davis (both deceased); Michelle (Jim) LeCheminant. Her posterity includes 26 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
Funeral service may be viewed online at https://zoom.us/j/97800515134
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Joan, a first cousin, was someone I always looked up to. It was a special time in my life to get reacquainted with her when we lived in Las Sendas. At every encounter she brought reverence for family, and I always felt so grateful for our connected heritage. In her presence one absorbed the perfumes of kindness and calm.
She will always be remembered for her gentle kind ways. Always spoke in kindness. Loved and adored by all that knew her. She was a beautiful mother, wife, sister and daughter. and she was a friend to my mother and others. She was smart, talented and loyal in life. Her faith in Jesus Christ was strong and steady. Her and sweetheart Egon raised a beautiful family . She has left them a legacy that will be cherished. This world lost one of the great ones. Heaven gained one!
“Elegance” personified. Quiet sweetness, kindness and goodness is that “elegance”. O, the reunions taking place with her parents, my parents, and all extended family!
I have known Joan I think my whole life, as we went all through school together and graduated in 1951. I remember her as being the sweetest, most talented, and smart girl I knew. We were also in the Alma Ward for years and her Dad was our Bishop for a time. Up until a few years ago. every other month 8 or so of our classmates would get together for lunch. These were good times and we were able to discuss “the good old days” of growing up in Mesa. I send my love to Egon and the family. She was certainly a jewel.
Joan Davis Johnson was the most beautiful soul to grace this earth. She was and is a queen of a Lady. She blessed my life in so many ways. We have been special friends for over 70+ years. Because of our friendship the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was brought into my life which has left a lasting mark on our entire family. Joan had a great gift of music, she loved to play the piano and was a great violinist. I lived with Mason and Eva Davis’ family my senior year of high school and took Seminary classes from Max Cox and Rodney Turner.
One day Joan asked me, “Donna, don’t you think it is about time you joined the church.” I agreed and joined the church on Jan. 6, 1951. Afterwards, in 10 months, all my family joined the Church. Because of Joan’s influence, there are now over 100+ members of my family in the covenant church!
I was blessed to visit Joan 2 days before her death and told her we will meet each other in Heaven, she enthusiastically agreed!
My deepest sympathy to Egon, the children and the Johnson family.
Donna Steffey Millett
Although I did not know Joan very long she did touch my life in this short period she made me smile. She always said she loved getting her hair done it made her feel pretty I told her she was already beautiful inside and out My condolences to the family.
We will never forget Joan and her beautiful spirit. She made everyone smile and was so positive and kind. We love you.