Samuel Taylor Johnson

Samuel Taylor Johnson, age 35, of Douglasville, GA passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017. He was born June 15, 1982 in Holdrege, NE to Gene and Marjorie Johnson. He was a beautiful, healthy, happy baby. In 1985 his family moved to Douglasville, GA. Things seemed to be looking up for our family until March of 1986 when Taylor contracted viral encephalitis. He was airlifted from Douglas Hospital to Eggleston Children's Hospital. He was hospitalized for about 7 1/2 weeks, as he came out of a coma, and endured much rehabilitation. He learned to walk, talk and feed himself all over again. He was left with a severe seizure disorder and mentally disabled. However, he reamined loving and funny. We were so glad we still had him. He was placed in the self contained Special Education program in Douglas County. He had many great teachers and para-pros. He obtained a Special Education Certificate.We were blessed to have many great babysitters and was admitted to the Chanan Foundation Day Program in 2007. He continued to attend until his death. Taylor loved to go to Myrtle Beach, SC and Edisto Island (the "trip house"). He was an expert on disney movies, especially Peter Pan, Dumbo and all things Mickey Mouse. He also adored "The Wizard of Oz". Taylor loved stuffed animals and dinosaurs. He loved to be read to, and liked to color and draw. He was the focus of his father and mothers life, ever since he became disabled. He was so friendly, and never met a stranger. His father and I will never get over losing him, but know that despite his seizures and disabilities he was very happy and knew that he was loved unconditionally. I will miss him asking me (sometimes at 6:30 am), "What is for dinner tonight?" and watching him chow down his favorite "Taylor Johnson's Impossible Quiche". Taylor participated in the Douglas County Special Olympics for many years. He is survived by his parents, his aunts and uncles; Steven and Joan Sheen, Merle and Debbie Johnson, Janell and Larry Rossen and Heidi Randall. He is also survived by numerous cousins. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 10:30 until 11 o'clock am. A funeral will follow at 11:00 in the Rosehaven Chapel. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 715, Atlanta, GA 30328, (404) 527-7155 or online to https://37060.thankyou4caring.org/. Those who wish to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at www.whitleygarner.com Arrangements by: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246