Juleesa Danielle Johnson
December 7, 1988 - November 2, 2011
Obituary
Juleesa Danielle Johnson was born on Dec. 7, 1988, in Seattle, Washington. It was a glorious day that brought indescribable joy to her parents, Denise Michele Johnson and Jeffrey Johnson.
The oldest of two daughters, Juleesa and her sister Deidre Jenae were raised in Seattle, where Juleesa attended Brighton CAMPI Preschool, Graham Hill Elementary, and Asa Mercer Jr. High School.
In 1996, Juleesa joined Mt. Calvary Christian Center, where she remained a faithful member. A year later, she expanded her passions to include running track, first at Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club and later at Van Asselt Community Center. She successfully competed in the 50- and 100-meters, the 100-meters relay, and the softball throw.
Juleesa’s softball playing days began shortly thereafter for Rainier Beach Community Center. She even tried her shot at basketball, ultimately deciding her preferred role was that of fan vs. player.
But her enthusiasm for competing in sports continued into high school. She attended Franklin High School until a family relocation took her to Hazen where she played one year of softball. She then transferred her loyalties to Renton High School where she proudly graduated in 2007.
After a semester at Green River Community College, the sociable young woman who loved to drive her car (even though it wasn’t an Escalade) and go out with friends substituted her books for a timesheet and entered the workforce. However, her employment with Costco Warehouse was cut short due to her cancer diagnosis, something she refused to let alter her fervor for living. In fact, the remarkable fighter who battled the disease with courage and grace elevated her hip style of big hoop earrings, Apple Bottom jeans, the latest Jordans, and an ever-present cell phone, to include nice waves (hair) – courtesy of chemo.
The young woman, who refused to complain about her circumstances, inspired all who were blessed to know her with her exemplary zeal to live well and in the moment. Juleesa’s focus remained on the many things she cherished, especially going to her Grandma’s to watch Brandon play; Monday night Bad Girls’ Club; going to movies; R&B music; eating pizza; and frequenting Outback Steakhouse, Jones BBQ, and Chang’s Mongolian Grill. A true sports enthusiast at heart, she also had an extensive collection of Jordans, and was an avid Michael Vick, Los Angeles Lakers, and St. Louis Rams fan. Perhaps the only thing that ignited Juleesa’s flame more was Nelly. Without a doubt, her lifetime highlight was meeting Nelly – not once but twice!
The list of what Juleesa loved is extensive, but waking up before 11 am and getting out of the bed before 12:15 pm is not among them. That said, she preferred that to the prospect of holding a baby. Just the thought terrified her almost as much as it frightened others to listen to her “sing.”
Juleesa’s care-free days on earth were far too few, but her inspiring legacy of strength, hope, faith, and optimism will forever remain in the hearts of all those she touched.
Forever will be missed, the easy going, fun-loving, Christian woman with the infectious laugh.
Left to celebrate her wonderful example is her devoted mother, Denise M. Johnson; her loving father, Jeffrey Johnson (Angella); her sisters, Deidre J. Johnson and Joyia Johnson; her brother, Jamaal Johnson (Sam); her grandmother, Frances Roy; her uncles, Donny Winston (Tonette), Ken Roy (Stacey), and Tony Roy (Gina); and her aunt, Renee Roy. Also left to mourn her earthly departure are her nieces, Lanea Johnson, Amari Johnson, and Oshyn Adams; as well as a host of other family and friends. Juleesa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Roy and Lois Winston; and her aunt, Joyce Roy. We are honored to have them all watching over us as God’s angels.
Juleesa’s Homegoing Service will be held Nov. 10, 11 am, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 124-21st Ave, Seattle WA 98122. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Dream Foundation, 1528 Chapala St, Ste 304, Santa Barbara CA 93101; and Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, Commemorative Giving, PO Box 5371, Seattle WA 98145.
We will always remember Juleesa smile and heart. Her kindness and love. Your family are in our prayers always.
Kenneth and Pamela Oglesby
She was such a beautiful young woman who had so much life. Her love for jordans always had me smiling and her jokes always had me rolling on the floor. I will greatly miss my cousin and even though she is not here with me she will always be in my heart. I LOVE YOU JULESSA…. you are free now and we will meet again.
Love, Matt
Her smile and love for life is the thing I will miss the most. Her love of the NBA was second to none . She knew all the stats on everybody especially her cousin Brandon. Her love of Jordans is right up there also. I remeber when she was finished with a session of chemo, she didn’t want to eat something. She wanted to see if they had the New Jordans in her size. They did and we got a pair..LOVE YOU SO MUCH… A trooper til the end….
To God all of his children make a joyful noise. Julessa, sing to your hearts content because God will love to hear from you. May God comfort your family at this time.
I will miss our phone call we will talk again
Love you little cuz
We love Julessa enjoyed you on our trip. May you rest I’m peace
I am truly going to miss your beautiful smile, your contagious laugh. Juleesa you were one of a kind. you are officially pain free but another taken too soon. Too my beautiful lil cousin you will forever be in my heart. I love you!!!
The strength you have given everyone around you is present in the heartfilled smiles and joyful tears we all share from your passing. We are comforted that you are now able to rest painfree with our Father in Heaven.
You will be missed so much. Even though we have not talked in years you will always have a place in my heart. I love u baby girl RIP!
Please find comfort in knowing that Juleesa touched the lives of so many others and gave them the gift of many happy memories. I hope that those wonderful memories give the family strength.
You fought a good fight and kept the faith until the end. I will miss your smile and laughter, you always remained sweet and you never changed. Love You always
Words cannot express my sympthany I feel in my heart for the lloss of one so young. Just reading about her makes me want to know her more. Such a precious jewel ! My Prayers and thoughts are with the family.
I was saddened to hear of her passing. I am thankful that I got a chance to see her at the Stanley/Brantley Family Reunion this past summer. She had a beautiful smile. Rest in peace Julessa, you are among the Angels now!!!
A beautiful young lady, gone too soon;
Rest now Juleesa. We will always love you!
Love your cousins,
Shana
A beautiful young lady, gone too soon;
Rest now Juleesa. I will always love you!
Love your cousin,
Imari
My heart goes out to Donny and his family. I never had the opportunity to meet Juleesa, but her Uncle Donny spoke of her.
Sorry for your loss, but know she will no longer have to suffer.
God Bless,
Donny’s Friend
Etta De La Fuente
Juleesa you were the most fascinating young lady that I’ve ever meet, your courage and zeal through all that you went through we applaud you. God has chosen an angel that will continue to be a blessing in his kingdom as you were here on earth. We will miss you we love you adn you will always be in my heart.. I was there when you got the call and you took it in like it was just another call from the doctor. RIP
Denise and family,
You are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I only hope you are comforted by your memories
Patricia Palmer and family
Although my acquaintance was through others at Mt Calvary, What I do know about this beautiful young lady is that she touched many hearts with love and joy.
I extends my prayers to the family and love ones that will miss Juleesa. I thank Our Creator Our Father in Heaven that she will forever live eternity with no pain and forever in peace.
I’m SADDDDD, I first met Julissa when she was 9 years old , she ran for my Track Team at Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club. I’m going to misssss her smile and laughter, I’m thankful we got to spend time together again going to dinner/movies…RIP Baby Girl…..Lov U
Tracey M (Coach Green)
Denise,
I was saddened to learn about Juleesa’s passing today. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family during this trying time.
Denise,
I was saddened to learn about Juleesa’s passing today. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family during this trying time.
Denise, I’ll be thinking of you and your family today as you gather to celebrate your beautiful Juleesa’s life. I’m so sorry about her passing but at the same time, knowing she is in a better place brings some peace of mind, doesn’t it? God bless you all… much love to you.
My deepest sympathy is with the family. May Juleesa rest in Peace.
Denise, I was so sad to hear of Juleesa’s passing. I remember your daughters as being some of the nicest, most polite and friendly girls I’ve ever met. I know that having her in your life to love made your heart bigger, even if it’s aching today. Just know that many people care.
Denise and family ~ I send my sincerest condolences. I know God has a plan that we don’t always understand, but we have to trust.
May you memories live on in your hearts forever and when you think of Juleesa’s smile, you too will smile.
I pray for Peace
Denise,
I pray God give you the peace the surpasses all understanding. I will continue to pray for you and your family all the way from Iowa …for strength to carry you through the next , the next, and all the next days ahead.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and sincerest sympathy to you all. Her light is a star.
Denis, Frances, Ken and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We met Juleesa at Ken and Stacy’s, such a beautiful , gracious and brave young woman.
Your loss is great, but she is smiling down at you.
I was so sad when I heard the news, I couldnt believe it quiet little Juleesa gone! On to a better place and I know you served your purpose on this earth cause the Lord called you home. Stay encouraged Ms. Johnson and Deidre!.
Search Light Moms wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Juleesa. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
http://www.slmoms.com
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Juleesa rest in paradise girlie. I remember your soft spoken nature, always rockin J’s, your smile, and laughter that filled the Schoolage classroom at Tiny Tots Development Center. You were such a joy and pleasant student and loved everyone.