Ms. Courtney Denise Johnson

Courtney Denise Johnson was born April 18, 1978, in Saginaw, Michigan to Carol & (the late) Felix Johnson. Courtney passed away on April 15, 2026, after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She fought with strength and determination until the very end, surrounded by the love of her family and closest friends. Courtney moved to Oakland, California with her mother as a young child & spent her summers in Saginaw with her father. In 1989 at the age of 11 she decided to permanently relocate to Saginaw. She was a proud graduate of Bridgeport High School, Class of 1997, and went on to attend Eastern Michigan University. In 2018, she made her home in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where she built lasting friendships and meaningful connections. Courtney was truly one of a kind. A self-proclaimed foodie and fashionista, she had a deep love for style that was undeniably inspired by her mother. She carried herself with confidence, boldness, and authenticity. Known for speaking her mind, Courtney was honest and fiercely opinionated. If you were close to her, you likely bumped heads with her at least once, but that was simply part of loving her. Her realness was unmatched. She never met a stranger. Courtney had a rare gift for turning anyone she encountered into a friend, and her friends quickly became family. She was a true social butterfly who loved to laugh and have fun. Her laughter was distinctive, unforgettable, and filled with life. Courtney had no children but her heart was full. Her beloved cat, Ashton, and her dog, Bear, were like her babies, and she loved them deeply. In the final seven weeks of Courtney’s life, she moved back to Saginaw to be closer to family & friends. During that time, they shared countless conversations, created lasting memories, and strengthened bonds that words cannot fully capture. Courtney loved deeply, lived boldly, and remained unapologetically herself through it all. There will never be another like her. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Carol Johnson; brother, Phelan Johnson; nephew, Dallas Johnson; godsons, Royce Johnson and Robbiaun Vann; godmother, Maurdean Akers; and her loving aunts: Joyce Rivers (Saginaw, MI), Rose Hall (Saginaw, MI), Donna Sue Sanders (Saginaw, MI), Gladys Henry (Ypsilanti, MI), and Clara Robinson (West Point, MS). She also leaves many other relatives and friends, including special friends Angie “Niecy” Hilliard, Kezia Crump, Michea Biggins, Shatobrion “Toby” Draine, Warren Franklin, and Na’Kaja Reed; and her very dear childhood best friend and “sister,” Brandi Bates-Johnson, along with a host of cousins and friends who became family. Courtney was preceded in death by: her father, Felix Johnson; paternal grandparents, Troy and Bennie Johnson; and maternal grandparents, Jerome and Emma Brandon. Courtney’s presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit, laughter, and love will live on in all who knew her The family will greet guests at 11:00 a.m.. A memorial service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. Bishop Larry Camel will officate.

Ms. Courtney Denise Johnson

April 18, 1978 - April 15, 2026