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Judith Mercedes Johnson, 76, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025. She was born on June 21, 1948, in Paraíso, Canal Zone, Panama. Judith was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a faithful servant of God. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived her life anchored in faith, kindness, and compassion. She was a faithful member of Greater Union Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, where she found strength, fellowship, and spiritual purpose. One of her favorite hymns, “The Old Rugged Cross,” reflected the deep reverence and hope she found in her relationship with God. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Vicente and Corina Steele. Judith is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Donald Johnson; her three children: Marcos Johnson (Chris), Natasha Fair (Marques), and Nikki Boone (Chad); and her thirteen cherished grandchildren: Sierra (25), Monique (23), Alex (20), Samara (17), MJ (15), Hannah (14), Tariq (14), Nayeli (13), Elijah (10), Micah (9), Lydia (6), Elias (5), and Eliana (5). Each grandchild was a treasured part of her life, and she found immense joy in being their grandmother. She is also survived by her loving siblings: Vicente “Pito” Steele (Juana), Delano Steele (Nelva), and Lerna Fleurissant, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Judith built a life of purpose and perseverance. She worked for 20 years at Motorola and recently retired from the Internal Revenue Service after 20 years of dedicated service. She was known not only for her work ethic and strength as a working mother, but also for her warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit. Judith had a true gift for cooking and found great joy in preparing delicious meals for her family, friends, and church community. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and love, where she brought people together with the dishes she lovingly prepared. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and medical staff at St. David’s Hospital and Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, whose kindness and support in Judith’s final days were deeply appreciated. A memorial service will be held in her honor on Friday, May 16th 2025 at Greater Union Baptist Church, 2939 Pecan Springs Road, Austin, TX 78723 at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance in memory of Judith’s generous and faithful spirit.

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Judith Mercedes Johnson

June 21, 1948 - May 1, 2025