Neomi Hamburger Johnson

September 21, 1940 – May 11, 2025

Early Mother’s Day, May 11th, Neomi Johnson was ushered peacefully into the presence of our Lord.

Preceding Neomi in death were her father, Philip, and mother, Minnie Hamburger; her older sisters Alice Hamburger and Clara Steele; her older brothers Harvey, Wilbur, and Willie Hamburger; and her beloved husband of 57 years, Wayne Johnson.

She is survived by her amazing older brother, Melvin Hamburger, and sister-in-laws Darlene and Jean Hamburger. Neomi is survived by her son Darryl & Denise Johnson with grandsons Daniel, David & Dathan; daughter Kim & Mike Marlar and grandchildren Andrea, Danielle & Austin; daughter Janeene & Chad Mankins with grandsons Elijah, Zeke, Levi & Gideon; and great-grandchildren Teddy and Lizzy Wilks (children of granddaughter Andrea and husband Todd Wilks).

Neomi was born September 21, 1940, in Weatherford, Oklahoma to Philip & Minnie (Sauer) Hamburger.

As the youngest of seven children, Neomi grew up on a rural farm on the outskirts of Corn, OK (southwest of Weatherford). She recalled chores such as churning butter by hand and laundry in a wringer washer. And she dreaded the gathering of eggs as the chickens pecked at her. This period on the farm formed Neomi’s love for the piano, hymns, and dedication to the local church.

In her high school years, the family, seeking better farmland, moved to Gettysburg, in central South Dakota. The family would help start a church and support a Christian boarding school. In 1958, Neomi

would graduate from high school at Sunshine Bible Academy and retain lifelong friendships.

Following her sister Clara to Dallas, TX, Neomi would enroll at Dallas Bible Institute. There, she would meet her husband, Wayne Johnson. In June of 1962, Wayne and Neomi were married in the small country church, Woodhaven Baptist Church (Cockrell Hill Rd). Much later, Woodhaven would merge to become Duncanville Bible Church, where the life stories of several in attendance today intersect with Wayne and Neomi. In 1988, Wayne and Neomi moved to Faith Bible Church and considered it home for many years.

In 1956, five missionaries in Ecuador were martyred attempting to reach the Waorani (Auca) in the remote jungle. Along with many dear classmates from Dallas Bible College, Wayne and Neomi heeded the call to Bible Translation by joining Wycliffe and serving in Colombia in 1964. Although difficult, the decade in Colombia was some of the most rewarding years in their life story; all three children would be born in Bogotá, Colombia: Darryl, Kimberly, and Janeene.

Returning to Dallas, TX in 1978, Neomi offered her skills to meet needs at the International Linguistic Center (ILC), from administrative assistant roles to editorial efforts for publications. Leaving Wycliffe for a time, Neomi served in the local Elementary and Junior High cafeterias for 13 years, enjoying the interaction with the ‘kiddos.’ Later, Neomi was delighted to return to Wycliffe, loving on the little ones through the Childcare program for 25 years.

Neomi played the piano and loved to sing hymns. She is remembered for her caring heart towards others, especially children. Throughout her life, Neomi remained committed and active within the Wycliffe community and her church home, Faith Bible Church. Having a family dedicated to the church, Neomi’s life story was motivated by a faith in Christ and enabled by a work ethic adopted early from life on the farm.