Dorothy Witmer Johnson, age 93, of Minot, North Dakota, passed away on January 29, 2020, at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison, North Dakota, surrounded by her husband, Weyburn and son, Wayne, as the BLC's nurse and spiritual director provided compassionate guidance and care.

Dorothy was born April 24, 1926, along with her twin sister, Doris, to John and Sylvia Witmer.  The twins and their 3 siblings: Helen, Beulah, and Raymond grew up on a farm near Brown City, Michigan.  Dorothy attended a one room country schoolhouse and then graduated co-salutatorian in a class of 46 students from Brown City High School.  She graduated from Chicago Evangelistic Institute, and subsequently earned a B.S. from Central Michigan University.

She worked in Detroit for a few months before marrying the Rev. Weyburn Johnson in June, 1949.  Last June she and Weyburn celebrated 70 years of marriage.  She is survived by her loving husband, Weyburn.  Together they had three sons, all born in India, to whom she was a devoted and loving mother:  Donald (Patricia) of Oak Park, Michigan; Wayne (Mary) of Minot, ND; and David (deceased) of Springfield, IL. She is survived by 9 grandchildren: Erik, Kevin (Zac), Samuel (Katy), Anna (Brent), Simone (Ryan), Sylvia, Paul, Jared, and Aaron (Jennifer); and seven great grandchildren: Lillian, Sophia, Clara, Abigail; Rori; Sorrell, and Finn.

Dorothy was a partner in ministry with her husband throughout her life.  Following marriage, they attended the Missionary Medical course at BIOLA University for a year, whereupon they were accepted by the United Missionary Society (World Partners USA) as missionaries to India.  They left for India in November 1950 and served for 18 years.  Their duties included village evangelism and teaching in a Bible School in rural Bengal.  Later they moved to Calcutta to work with Evangelical Literature Depot, publishing Christian literature in regional languages and managing its bookstore.  Dorothy worked alongside her husband in this ministry.

In 1969 the Johnsons departed India, primarily to assist their sons as they went through college during what were tumultuous years for youth.  The couple moved to Wheaton in July 1973.  Dorothy worked for 14 years in various capacities on the staff of Greater Europe Mission.  When Weyburn worked as Director of Business Affairs for Christ Church of Oak Brook, she was a volunteer assisting him greatly in his heavy responsibilities.  She especially complemented him in his responsibilities in managing the church's bookstore.  She lovingly cared for Weyburn's mother who lived with them in their home the last four years of her life.  In 1996 they returned to India for four months of ministry.  They were active in volunteering for Christ Church, assisting in the business office and offering pastoral care to the elderly and to patients in hospitals.  In October 2013 they moved to Minot, ND to be near family.  They continued to serve God as members of Vincent United Methodist Church.

Dorothy enjoyed time with her family and friends and contacted them regularly by phone, letter, and email.  She thoroughly read the newsletters from many parachurch organizations to which she and Weyburn contributed.  We who knew her especially appreciated her warmth, love for people, and compassion.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.
Interment will be at a later date at the Riverview Cemetery, Washburn, ND.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Dorothy may be sent to The Philip Endowed Scholarship Fund. (Taylor University; 236 W. Reade Ave.; Upland, IN 46989-1001) or to Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.

"Whoever wishes to save their life will lose it; but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." --Jesus (Matthew 16:25)

Dorothy Johnson Flower Pictures