Willa Jean Johnson
January 9, 1954 ~ April 24, 2025
Willa J. Johnson, 71, Garretson, SD, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
An Open House Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2025, at Tucker and Deanna Bonte’s home at 308 River Ave. in Garretson, SD.
Willa Jean Boyer was born on January 9, 1954, in West Virginia to William and Jean (Palmer) Boyer. She grew up in Martinsburg and graduated from Martinsburg High School in June of 1971.
In September of 1971, Willa married Donald E. Johnson. They were blessed with 5 children. They moved around the United States for the first few years of their marriage. They eventually settled on an acreage in Valley Springs, SD.
Willa attended Nettleton College and graduated with an Associate of Science of Paralegal Degree. She worked various jobs throughout her life. Willa worked as a paralegal in a law office for a few years. She then changed course and went into customer service at Citibank until she retired in 2016.
In her retirement, she enjoyed thrift store shopping, reading, baking, and spending time with her family, especially her great-granddaughter Oaklynn Maye, who she was asking for until the very end.
Willa was a woman whose life was a testament to love, strength, and quiet grace. She was a mother of five, but to so many more, she was a safe place, a listening ear, and a steady hand. Her strength carried her family through life’s hardest moments, and her love was the foundation that held everything together.
Willa gave her all to her children, raising each one with patience, wisdom, and a heart full of unconditional love. She led by example, showing them how to face the world with dignity, care for others, and stay true to what matters most: family, kindness, and faith.
Eric will be bringing her home to the rolling hills of West Virginia, where she will be laid to rest near her beloved parents. It is a return not just to her roots, but to the peace and beauty of the place that helped shape the remarkable woman she became.
Although we grieve, we also celebrate. We celebrate a life that mattered deeply, and a love that touched us all.
Willa is survived by her son, Eric (Kelli) Johnson, Valley Springs, SD; daughters, Amy Johnson Stassen, Valley Springs, SD, Michele Johnson, Valley Springs, SD, Tammy Webb, Sioux Falls, SD, and Deanna (Tucker) Bonte, Garretson, SD; grandchildren, Jake, Alex, Logan, Lane, Shyanne, Chloe, Nealy, Rylea, Parker, Caitlin, Dusty, Brock, Cody, and Kailyn; special grandson-in-law, Trevor Iverson; great-grandchildren, Oaklynn Maye, Drew, and two more on the way; and her brother, William Boyer II.
Willa was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jean Boyer.
Sorry for your loss, I will keep you in my thoughts.
Willa was a wonderful woman. Kind and sweet. I enjoyed her so much. Im so sorry for your loss. Much love & prayers.
Tammy sorry to see this about your mom. sending thoughts to you and your family.