Laura Olivia Johnson

Early Life and background

Laura was born on November 4, 1969, in Tijuana Mexico, the first born child of Salvador & Maria Gutierrez. She was the oldest of 4 children, and her siblings, brothers Salvador Gutierrez Jr., Richard Gutierrez and sister Patricia Chavoya were born in South Central Los Angeles.

From a young age, she embodied the strength, warmth, and leadership that would define her throughout her life. As the big sister to Salvador Jr., Patricia, and Richard, she naturally took on the role of nurturer, showing them the power of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She was a proud student of Sacred Heart in Los Angeles, where her Catholic values took deep root. Curious, outgoing, and endlessly funny, she brought joy to every room she entered. Her early passions were simple yet profound, family, faith, food, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. Even in childhood, she showed a deep appreciation for life’s blessings, and her love for traveling began to blossom. These early years shaped her into a woman of strength, compassion, and deep devotion, a foundation she carried proudly throughout her life.

Education Career & Contributions

Her drive, intelligence, and work ethic spoke volumes throughout her life. She held various jobs that showcased her adaptability and heart, but it was during her years at CVTC and the IRS that she built relationships that would last a lifetime. Later in life, she found stability and pride in her work with the Internal Revenue Service, where she served diligently for 13 years before retiring earlier this year. Her dedication and reliability made her not just a respected colleague, but a beloved friend to many who considered her family.

Outside of work, her truest calling was always her family. She was a constant presence at school performances, sporting events, and family gatherings, wherever her grandchildren, parents, siblings, or extended family were, she was there, front and center, cheering them on with jokes, laughter, and love. Her involvement wasn’t about formality, it was about love, showing up, and making memories. That deep commitment to showing up for those she loved made her the heart of her family and community.

Personal Life and character

Above all else, her greatest joy in life was her family. She was married to her beloved husband, William Johnson Jr., for 27 beautiful years until his passing, when he was welcomed home by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Together, they raised three children, William Johnson III, Stephen Johnson, and Vanessa Marie Johnson; each of whom was a source of immense pride and love. Her role as a mother was matched only by the joy she found in being a grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren. It all began with her first blessing, Ethan Jeremiah Johnson, who shaped a new kind of love in her heart. Then came five more lights of her life: Layla Noor, Isabella Rae, Zaynab Ayan, Mia Grace, and Fowziya Amira. Each grandchild brought her unmatched happiness, laughter, and countless cherished memories that forever will be engraved in our hearts.

She had a zest for the simple joys, shopping, eating good food (on her own terms), watching her favorite shows, and 'talking mess' with the ones she loved. Holidays, especially, were her favorite times to be surrounded by family, laughter, and warmth. Her catchphrases became part of the family's rhythm: "Si Dios Quiere", knowing that everything was in the Lord's hands when making plans, her playful “ehh ehh” when she wasn’t in the mood to eat what you cooked, and the loving way she called her granddaughter “Her Princesa Muñeca.”, or “Traviesa”.

Her personality was unforgettable, strong, funny, faithful, loving, protective, and deeply devoted. She had a gift for making others feel seen, heard, and loved. She led with humor and heart, guided by her Catholic faith, and a fierce sense of loyalty to those she held dear. Whether it was showing up to every grandchild’s performance or comforting a loved one with a joke and a hug, she made sure you always knew you mattered. Her legacy will live on in the traditions she started, the love she gave, the sassiness, and the laughter she sparked.

Legacy

Her impact on those around her was immeasurable. As a mother, she taught her children the importance of faith, resilience, and unconditional love. She led by example, with strength in adversity, humor in hardship, and grace in every moment. Her children carry her voice in their hearts, her strength in their spirits, and her love in the way they show up for others. To her grandchildren, she was a safe place, a source of comfort, and the loudest cheerleader in the room. To her siblings, she was a guiding light;the eldest who led with fierce love, loyalty, and faith. And to her friends, she was the one who brought warmth, laughter, and honesty, the kind of friend who told it like it was, but always with love.

She lived by values that she didn’t just speak,she embodied them. Family above all. Faith as the foundation. Generosity without question. Joy in everyday moments. She believed in showing up, loving hard, and not taking life too seriously. Her sense of humor was her superpower, and her love was her legacy.

She often reminded those around her: “Si Dios Quiere” ("God willing"), a phrase that reflected her deep trust in God’s plan. She taught us to move forward with hope, to hold family close, and to never underestimate the healing power of food, laughter, and a little shopping. To her grandchildren, she gave a nickname filled with love,“Her Babies”,a name that will forever echo in our hearts as a reminder of her tenderness, warmth, and the deep affection she had for each of them.

She leaves behind not only memories, but values, traditions, and sayings that will be passed on for generations. Her love was a gift that touched everyone lucky enough to know her, and that love will continue to guide, comfort, and inspire.

Survivors and Predeceased Family

She is survived by her children, William Johnson III, Stephen Johnson, and Vanessa Marie Johnson. She also leaves behind her six cherished grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Ethan Jeremiah Johnson, Layla Noor Johnson, Isabella Rae Johnson, Zaynab Ayan Johnson, Mia Grace Johnson, and Fowziya Amira Johnson. Her memory will continue to live on through her devoted parents, Salvador and Maria Gutierrez and her devoted siblings: Salvador Gutierrez Jr., Patricia Chavoya, and Richard Gutierrez.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 27 years, William Johnson Jr.

She will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts.

Her light lives on in the memories we share, the love she gave, and the lives she impacted. Tus niños te aman mucho mami, y volveremos a verte. You are with God now mama reunited with daddy "Your Forever BABE”.

Services

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720, on September 30, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 6:00 pm.

The funeral mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, 1572 E Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:00 am.