Pamela Joy Johnson

Our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend Pamela Joy Johnson (Pammy), age 42, returned to her Heavenly Father on September 17th, 2021.

Pamela was born on January 29th, 1979, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Alan Reynolds and Pamela Clare Smith Taylor. She was the youngest of six children and four stepchildren as well as a sister to a half brother and sister. Being the youngest, she was "overly-loved" during her childhood.

Pamela graduated from Douglas County High School, Castle Rock, Colorado, in 1997.

Pamela married Christopher Johnson on January 6th, 2001. They were then sealed in the Raleigh, North Carolina Temple on March 13th, 2004.

Pamela's married life began with Chris joining the Army early in their marriage, entering basic training and then jump school while she lived in Levan, Utah. Then, a young Pamela began her own adventure by moving across country to join Chris at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Next Chris and Pamela faced a critical decision in their life as Chris was offered the opportunity to enter formal training for entry into the Special Forces Qualification Course, or the "Q Course." As typified throughout Chris and Pamela's life together, this critical decision was made through fervent prayer and together as full partners. When Chris graduated becoming a Green Beret, a member of one of the most elite US military forces, Pamela was there standing proudly by her husband's side each having accomplished something astounding.

Pamela went on to spend twenty years as an Army wife, loving and supporting her husband throughout it all. However, being an Army wife is a uniquely, exacting experience that can only be understood by those who have persevered through the experiences. Certainly, when the soldiers of the 5th Group and the 101st Airborne were frequently deployed to combat, the experiences and feelings of their families at home is hard to sum up in words. We know the "Band of Brothers." However, less popularly known is the "Band of Mothers," an often-unspoken group of mothers and wives, tending their families as their husbands carried out missions overseas bigger than themselves. This Band of Mothers had struggles that only they could understand. Pamela served her fellow mothers with distinction, mentoring and ministering, providing support and compassion. While the rest of the world heard about battles on TV, these wives knew it was their husbands and the TV could simply never tell them what they really needed to know about their husbands. It was a very common experience to go to the Johnson home and meet new people, that both Pamela and Chris were supporting as they adapted to this very challenging life. Only those who have served fully appreciate the sacrifice by the families. However, for Pamela it was a daily opportunity to share the love of Christ that was in her. She loved without guile or judgement, just as our Savior showed us. Pam excelled! It's truly who she was.

As highlighted, Pamela life exemplified that of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. However, such discipleship was manifested in the highest and holiest way through her dedication and commitment to her family; as a wife and eternal companion to Chris and a loving, supportive mother to each of her exceptional four daughters. It is said that there is no greater calling in the world or the church than being a mother and that the influence of a mother will be felt for generations. Pamela's love for her family, as demonstrated through her daily choices and actions, will truly reach far beyond her time on this earth and into eternity.

Pamela was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life, she served in many roles, callings, and responsibilities-fulfilling each one to the fullest potential that she could. Of the many callings Pamela served in, both at the Stake and Ward level, Pamela's greatest joy came from serving children and youth, as well as anything involving music-especially choir. Of Pamela, it can be said that she loved unconditionally and gave her time and talents freely with no expectation of return.

For people who knew Pamela, they will recall how her name "Joy" magnificently described her. As President Gordon B. Hinckley shared, "In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." Pamela exemplified this guidance and her namesake Joy in every aspect of her life. She was always quick to share a smile, a word of encouragement, and always willing to dedicate her time to serve others, whether family, friend, or stranger. She had a remarkable ability to lighten other's burdens, help them feel God's love, and would always bring Joy or light into any room she entered. You always knew when Pamela arrived as peace, happiness and Joy brightened the place!

We, as her husband, children, mother, siblings, family, and friends, will deeply and sincerely miss Pamela's presence from this world. However, we each bear solemn witness that she has passed forward, as spoken of by Alma in Alma 40:12, to "a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace," to be with her family on the other side of that veil, to prepare places for her family, and to continue in her service to a loving Heavenly Father for whom she has dedicated herself to.

Pamela is survived by her loving husband Christopher; her children (her GEMZ's as she would loving refer to them) Evelynn Joy, Gwendalynn Grace, Marilynn Bliss, and Zoelynn Hope; and her mother Pamela Clare Smith Taylor and her siblings: Marlene (Ned) Stephensen, JC (Annee) Reynolds, George (Kim) Reynolds, Valerie (Matt) Throckmorton, Arthur (Monica) Reynolds, Trent (Dani) Taylor, Monette Christensen, Morgan (Caroline) Taylor, Paul (Brianna) Reynolds and Jessica (Cody) Deskin. She is preceded in death by her father James Alan Reynolds and her stepfather Brent L Taylor (Papa) and her brother Troy L Taylor.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 1st, 2021, at 12:00 pm (MST) in the Levan Church Building, 25 N 100 E, Levan, Utah as well as available via streaming for those who are unable to attend in person. Family and friends may pay respects during an open house that morning from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Levan Church Building. Interment will be in the Levan Town Cemetery after the funeral services.

NOTE: The funeral will be available via streaming for friends and family who are unable to attend in person. Click on the following link to join the services: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/73901722068?pwd=YmFIYlE4UXB1R3o3RVB4bDlIRWlOQT09

The link will be up by 11:45 am MST, 1:45 EST. Prior to that time, people joining will be placed in a holding room.