In Memory: Juanita Johnson

“She loved ASU, and she loved working with students.”

“Regardless of the assignment, she would always volunteer.”

“She epitomized the spirit of service to ASU.”

Such were the comments shared by colleagues of Juanita Johnson upon learning of her recent death. Johnson, a longtime ASU employee and champion of ASU, passed away July 5 after a brief battle of with cancer.

Johnson, 59, came to ASU in 1988 to work in Student Financial Assistance. Johnson was promoted several times within the department, including positions in data management, as well as supervising the front desk operations.

In 1998, Johnson joined the University Registrar’s fledgling General Services unit as an office specialist senior. The General Services team is cross-trained and moves throughout the enrollment services units to provide support during peak activity periods. This was an ideal position for Johnson, as she was able to combine her knowledge of student business processes with her humor and goodwill in serving students directly.

She made a point to always make herself available to students and parents, no matter where she was on campus. As a co-worker noted, “She wanted to know all of the students and their parents.”

As an ardent supporter of the university, Johnson was one of the first to volunteer for assignments. She regularly traveled to work at out-of-state orientations, volunteered annually for Homecoming and would put in extra hours during peak processing periods. She also could be found cheering on the Sun Devils at many athletics events over the past two decades.

Johnson is survived by her daughter, Michelle, a graduate of ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; her son, Marcus, his wife, Kim, an ASU alumnus, and their son, Lucas; and many family members across the country.

A memorial service took place July 13. Memorial gifts may be made in her honor to ASU or to Hospice of the Valley.