Melinda Withington Johanson

Melinda was born at Cecil Field Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, where she was the first baby girl born on the base. In 1962, her family moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia, a place that would remain an important part of her life.

Melinda had a long career, first with Babcock & Wilcox and later with Hercules Corporation, where she worked for 24 years.

She married her husband, Dennis N.G. “Joe” Johanson, on June 5, 1971. Together they raised two children, Marja “Liisa” Liv Dewhurst and Everett “Rett” Gustav Hilding Johanson, and built a life filled with family.

Melinda is survived by her husband, Joe; her children, Liisa and Rett; and her four grandchildren, Liv, Reese, Evelyn, and Cadence, who brought great joy to her life.

She is also survived by her sisters, Jane Wrangofski of New Orleans, Louisiana; Marjorie Stevenson of St. Simons Island, Georgia; Becky Norman of Atlanta, Georgia; and Candace Weigand of Jacksonville, Florida.

Melinda’s connection to St. Simons Island extended throughout her life and included Holy Nativity Church, where her mother, Edith Wrangofski, was a founding member and where Melinda was a charter member.

A service celebrating Melinda’s life will be held at Holy Nativity Church, 615 Mallery Street, St. Simons Island, Georgia, on Thursday, September 10, at 1:30 p.m.

Melinda will be remembered with love by her family and by those whose lives she touched. Her family is grateful for the years they shared with her and will carry her memory with them always.