Steven Elliott Johnson

In Loving Memory of Steven Elliott Johnson

September 1, 1947 – April 5, 2026

Steven Elliott Johnson, age 78, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his home in Berea, Ohio.

Steve was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, a river town he held close throughout his life. The memories and values of his upbringing remained a steady foundation in shaping who he became. He had an immense sense of pride in his hometown and greatly valued the relationships he formed before college.

He graduated from Ohio University in 1969, during which time he participated in Army ROTC as part of a concurrent program and completed it that same year.

During his early military service, Steve and Linda were stationed in Germany, where they unexpectedly experienced the loss of their first son, Richard, born sleeping in 1971. Steve was later called to active duty and served in the United States Army as a Field Artillery Specialist in Vietnam. His time serving left an indelible mark on his life.

After his active duty, Steve built a career serving others with Ohio Bell/AT&T and the United Way. He also loved investing and improving his local community as a civil servant in Berea, Ohio. He took pride in his work and was known for his steady presence and strong work ethic in every role he held.

He was a lifelong fan of The Ohio State University and the Cleveland Browns, often joking that Browns fandom required a special kind of loyalty measured more in hope than in victories. He also loved coaching his sons and investing in young athletes in the community, encouraging them to be their best both on and off the field.

Above all, Steve was devoted to his family and friends. He was a proud and loving father to Derrick (Angela) Johnson and Devin (Kasey) Johnson. He was a caring big brother to his sister, Carla (Dante) Holland, and to his cousin, Sheila (Wood) Tanner, who was like a sister to him.

He was a devoted grandfather to Elliott, Elias, and Eleanor, children of Derrick and Angela Johnson; and Jonah and Gabrielle, children of Devin and Kasey Johnson. He took great joy in being present in their lives and cheering them on in their many activities.

Throughout his life, Steve enjoyed fishing, working outdoors, and long conversations with friends that often stretched into the late-night hours reminiscing a lifetime of living.

He will be remembered for his big smile, contagious laughter, warmth, and steady presence.

In recent years, Steve experienced a quiet renewal of faith. After the passing of his wife Linda on September 21, 2026, Steve’s life reflected a deep sense of peace, surrender, and trust in God’s promise. We take comfort in knowing he is now fully restored and made whole in the presence of the Lord. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:8

Until eternity reunites us.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY His wife, Linda (Ford) Johnson; his son, Richard Johnson; and his parents, Marion “Mitch” Johnson and Eleanor “Nodie” Johnson.

SURVIVED BY His sons, Derrick (Angela) Johnson and Devin (Kasey) Johnson; his grandchildren, Elliott (13), Elias (12), and Eleanor (10), children of Derrick and Angela Johnson; and Jonah (14) and Gabrielle (11), children of Devin and Kasey Johnson; and his sister, Carla Holland, and her husband Dante Holland.