Brenda Johnson

There are some people who live long lives just going through the motions of life, their days seeming to fade into the everyday tapestry of life. Then there are those who are granted much fewer days, but who make a great impact on the world and people that surround them. Brenda Johnson was an extraordinary young woman with a tremendous zest for life who colored her world with the vibrant facets of her personality, just by being who she was each and every day. She had a tender heart, an energetic spirit, and a distinctive laugh that brought light and life to all those placed in her path.

The 1980’s were a unique time in American culture as pop, rock, new wave, punk, country, and especially rap or hip hop became popular music genres along with the obsession with the smurfs, E.T., and the revolutionary compact disc. Dennis and Deborah (Heath) Johnson, of Vicksburg, Michigan were looking forward to their own revolutionary time as well; as Deborah was due to give birth to their first child at any time. They were indeed blessed on March 9, 1987 with the birth of their daughter, Brenda. She was born two weeks prematurely and spent her first eight days in the neonatal unit of the hospital, but Brenda soon returned home with her parents and was joined by younger brother Derek, just two years later. Brenda naturally had a motherly instinct and often practiced this instinct on Derek, with whom she had a close relationship throughout her life. Although he would pick on her and tease her at times, Brenda just took it all in stride, offering him her constant unconditional love.

As a young girl, Brenda’s contented and compassionate heart surfaced which would follow her throughout her entire lifetime. She had a special relationship with her Grandma Jo who was her primary care giver while her parents worked hard to support their family. Brenda was a compliant child, never causing any trouble and she attended Vicksburg Schools where she was a good student. While in high school, Brenda’s mother had hip surgery and during her recovery time, Brenda’s maturity and sacrificial spirit showed through as she took over the grocery shopping, the cooking, and the cleaning as well as tending to whatever needed to be done.

The Johnson family was a tight knit group and on many weekends, the family would load up the motor home and travel to watch Derek race motocross. This was an activity that the whole family enjoyed and was the backdrop for many memories to be made; memories which will be treasured for a lifetime. Brenda viewed the happiest day of her life as the day she graduated from high school, perhaps in part because she shared the joy of the day with her brother, who qualified for the Nationals in motocross on that very same day.

When Brenda had free time, she had some interests of her own which she spent time pursuing. She always loved to dance and could frequently be seen dancing around the house while doing her chores, listening to her favorite tunes on her iPod. She loved music of all kinds as long as it had a beat and could be danced to. Brenda had an adventurous spirit and was always full of energy; she loved the roller coasters at Cedar Point, doing some drag racing with her father, and hunting with her boyfriend Kyle. Brenda drove a bright yellow Ford Ranger that matched her vibrant personality and she took great pride in her truck, keeping the inside and outside meticulously clean. Brenda’s keen eye for detail always led her to make sure that everything was just right not only in her own life, but in the lives of others around her as well.

After graduating from high school in 2005, Brenda began to pursue her dream of one day becoming a nurse. She was studying at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University as well, working hard to turn her dream into a reality. Brenda gained experience in her chosen field with her part time work at Borgess Nursing Home, located in Kalamazoo. Here, Brenda was able to pour her nurturing and compassionate spirit into the care she provided every day for the many residents she encountered.

Brenda Johnson was an energetic and adventurous young woman who embraced each day she was given, living her life to its fullest. She was generous and compassionate and like a ray of sunshine, could brighten even the darkest of days. Brenda often set aside her own needs to tend to the needs of others and she was truly appreciative of the kind gestures that others extended to her. Brenda’s life was full of promise until her days were tragically cut short, her life filled with memories that will be forever etched on the hearts of all those she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed.

Brenda Johnson, of Vicksburg, MI, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 29, 2009. Members of Brenda’s family include her parents, Denny and Debbie Johnson; her younger brother, Derek; her Grandma Jo Corbin; grandparents, Clyde and Marion Swearingen and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. Visit with Brenda’s family and friends and share light refreshments, on Monday, February 2 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main (649-1697). Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February, 3 at the same location. Please visit Brenda’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to the American Red Cross.