Brenda Elaine Johnson

Born on September 2, 1953 to Erma Jean and Henry Way.
Departed on July 21, 2025.

Brenda was a graduate of Northeast High School and earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Food Service Management from Southeast Community College in 1988, while raising her four children.

She ran kitchens for many years at local day care centers, Cedars, and UNL before changing gears and becoming the librarian for the Palmyra Public Library.

Brenda was an avid reader and instilled this love of reading in all of her children and countless others throughout her life. She believed reading allowed people to be transported to places and times which we could never experience otherwise.

She loved all sports, was fascinated by space exploration, and a huge supporter of the NASA space program.

She loved celebrating all holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, and she enjoyed sending carefully selected cards and gifts through the mail to her loved ones.

Family Information: Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 51 years, Ralph D. Johnson Jr., and her youngest son, Kit William. She is survived by her children, Ralph D. Johnson III, Jean M. Johnson, and Jeremiah J. Johnson, their partners, her grandson, step-grandchildren, and nieces.

Graveside Service: For Brenda and Ralph, will be held 12:30 p.m. September 21, 2025, at the Rosewood Cemetery in Palmyra.  Reception to follow at the Activities Center, 425 C St.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Southeast Community College Educational Foundation. The Bernlinda Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Brenda’s grandparents, Bernard B. and Olinda Dietz Riblett, and the Johnson Memorial Scholarship in memory of her husband’s parents, Ralph D. and Ruth M. Johnson.

By Mail: Checks payable to Southeast Community College Educational Foundation, note in memo or attachment directing donations for the Bernlinda or the Ruth & Ralph Johnson Memorial fund and mail to:
Southeast Community College Educational Foundation
301 S. 68th Street Place
Lincoln, NE 68510

Online: https://www.southeast.edu/sccdonate
Select “Scholarship Fund”
Enter “Berlinda Memorial” or “Ruth & Ralph Johnson Memorial” in the field labeled ‘Specify’

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