CJ Johnson Essex

Clella Mae Archer was born on March 10, 1936, at home, in the small Amish town of Conewango in western New York, the youngest of four children. She graduated from Randolph Central High School in 1953. She immediately began nursing school at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, New York—marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

While in Jamestown, she met and fell in love with Ken Johnson. They were married in 1956 and built a life together, raising three children—Steve, Cindy, and Karin. Known to most as "Cece," she devoted herself to both her family and her nursing career.

In 1966, the family moved to Syracuse, New York, and later to Rochester, New York, where Cece worked as a nurse at a hospital, a nursing home, a school, and Boy Scout Camps. Then, in 1972, following a new calling, the Johnson family moved to Estes Park, Colorado, to run Covenant Heights Bible Camp.

It was in Estes Park that Cece—now known as "CJ"—truly put down roots. At Covenant Heights, she wore many hats: camp nurse, cook, housekeeper, and a nurturing "camp mom" to countless campers and staff. She shared her deep faith and love of Jesus with everyone she encountered, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.

After leaving the camp in 1985, with their children grown, Ken and CJ moved into town to begin a new chapter. Sadly, Ken passed away unexpectedly in 1987. CJ leaned on her strong faith and the support of her family during this difficult time.

A few years later, she was introduced to Dave Essex by a mutual friend—an answer to prayer and the beginning of a lasting partnership. They married in 1990 and spent the next three decades traveling together to places such as Alaska, Scandinavia, and Israel. They also treasured time spent with their children and grandchildren, sharing their faith and teaching life skills—from cooking to cars to hunting.

CJ continued her life of service through her work, helping to start Home Health Care in Estes Park and working with Hospice. She spent years volunteering with charitable organizations, including the Caring Pregnancy Center and Community Bible Study. Her generosity, compassion, and dedication to others never wavered; she served tirelessly until her health no longer allowed.

Dave passed away in 2024, leaving CJ widowed once again. Throughout every season of life, she remained steadfast in her faith. On May 31, 2026, she went to be with the Lord and is reunited with those who went before her.

CJ is survived by her children: Steve and Lesta Johnson; Cindy and Mike Kingswood; Karin and Mark Swanlund, all of Estes Park. 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren carry on her legacy, as do Debby (Essex) and Nick Willocks, Glen and Sue Essex, and their children.

She will be remembered by all who knew her as a faithful servant of the Lord, whose life was defined by love, generosity, and unwavering faith.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, June 20, at 3:00 pm at the Allenspark Community Church. All are welcome.

Donations, if desired, can be made to House of Hope Ministries at 11570 CR 78, Eaton, CO 80615 or at www.houseofhope.life/donate.