Olevia Janteen Johnson

Olevia Janteen Johnson was born on October 22, 1955 to the union of Herbert Johnson and Beatrice (Moore) Johnson, while her father was serving at the US Naval Station in Norfolk, VA. The eldest of her four siblings, she was raised in Louisiana and the family later moved to California - where she spent her adolescence and adulthood in the Greater Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Bakersfield areas. She graduated from Hollywood High School and went on to attend American River College in Sacramento.

Baptized at eight years old at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Paincourtville, LA, Olevia was a strong, God-fearing woman and a fierce prayer warrior. In her 65 years of life, she served actively in several churches: United God In Christ in Los Angeles, CA, Alpha and Omega MBC in Los Angeles, CA, North Highlands COGIC in Sacramento, CA, and Saints Memorial COGIC in Bakersfield, CA. She dedicated her time in various ministry positions including Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher, Junior Women’s President, President of the Hospitality Board, and more.

Olevia married Bradley H. Moss on August 5th, 2000 and settled into life with him in the Phoenix suburbs. They devoted over 20 years to taking care of each other’s hearts, minds, and souls. The love they shared over the years was inimitable and effervescent, a testament to their reciprocity of patience and understanding toward one another. Brad made sure that his Queen was valued and protected, and Olevia ensured that her beloved was appreciated for all that he was and all that he did.

Early in her career, she worked as a mortgage professional advancing through positions in administration, processing, and funding. After attaining her goal of becoming a licensed and endorsed Senior Mortgage Underwriter, she enjoyed over 30 years in the industry later retiring in 2020. She earned countless awards and accolades that truly spoke to her solid work ethic, acute knowledge and expertise, and attention to detail.

Olevia was tremendously passionate about presentation. Her presence was captivating and manifested itself through her enthusiasm for event planning and gift giving. Her ability to evoke true emotion through her personalized gifts and events gave her great joy. She had a benevolent heart and treasured her ability to provide people with feelings of abundant love and happiness through her distinguished handwritten cards, thank you notes, and letters of encouragement and endearment.

Her love for butterflies, notably Monarchs, was her signature. She adored every thoughtful butterfly gift she received from loved ones over the years to make up her vast collection. She shared her love of them with the world, known for always wearing a butterfly pin on her shoulder or sending postcards complete with a colorful butterfly stamp in the upper right corner.

Affectionately known as the Queen of Christmas, Olevia often hosted large and extravagant Christmas get-togethers with family and friends where she would spend hours cooking her famous Louisiana gumbo. She was a highly intuitive and thoughtful gift-giver and to the surprise of many, no one ever visited her home during the holidays without receiving a gift—even if they visited unexpectedly. Her Christmas presents always came with one of her fabulous hand-crafted bows. She believed in giving “complete gifts” – adhering to her three specific rules:

1. All gifts are to be hand-wrapped with bows and gift tags; NEVER gift bags.

2. When gifting something like a purse/wallet – always include a monetary gift inside.

3. Absolutely NO gift cards.

Olevia Janteen Johnson took this world by storm and made an impact on every single person who was fortunate enough to have her in their lives. She was admired, adored, and loved immensely. She was regal, larger than life, she outgrew this world, and her Father called her home. Her spirit lives in us all and she will be missed, but her memory remains. Let us celebrate her life and revel in knowing that God blessed us with the vivacious woman who was Olevia Johnson.

Psalms 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praises shall continually be in my mouth” was her prayer.

In addition to her husband, Brad Moss, she leaves the following to celebrate her life:

Her sister, Deddra Johnson-Smith whom she spoiled unconditionally, and husband, Elisha. Her brothers, Herbert Johnson II and Clarence Benny Johnson, whom she cherished. Her children: Eleatrice Elder, Demetrice Johnson (Marisa), and Anitrice Howell – in whom she exuded incomprehensible pride. Her grandchildren: Courtleigh Solis (Daniel), Akil “Bo” Hannibal, Demetrice “DJ” Johnson II, Oleveia Johnson, and Anaya Harvey – all of whom she loved a WHOLE lotta bunch.

Aunts: Bernice Jackson and Sheri Kelly. Uncles: James Darling, DL Moore, and Joe Miller. Nieces & Nephews: Shawana, Sharonda, Clarence “CJ” Jr., Shorneice, Roshauna, LaKendra, Herbert III, James “Jaye”, Sabrina, Michael, Margoe. Adopted sons: Godson - Pastor Mike Jenkins, Jimmy Jiannine, Marvin Bell, Patrick Kidwell. Adopted daughter and bestest friend: Cecilia Jeffers. And many cousins, extended family members, close friends, and countless others whose lives were enriched by her virtuosity.

Celebration of Life to be held at:

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park

6747 East Broadway Rd, aka 400 S Power Rd

Mesa, Arizona 85206

Saturday, June 5th, 2021 | 11am-1pm

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

‘ Memorial donations can be payable to Eleatrice Elder for distribution in support of causes Olevia Johnson loved or made in her honor to the charity of your choice.

https://www.paypal.me/JusCallMeE