Melvin Johnson Obituary

With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of Melvin Dean Johnson, known by many as "Dean" or "Sabo", an inspiring and compassionate soul who lived his life with fervor and purpose. Born on February 23, 1957, in Pineville, LA, he ultimately settled in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he filled each day with his adventurous spirit and loving heart. He now leaves us, not with a goodbye, but as Maya Angelou said, "I have only slipped away into the next room," having passed on July 18, 2025. Melvin was a man of many talents and passions, but his calling lay in nurturing the Earth as a landscaper. His nursery was a testament to his dedication and skill, blooming with life under his careful hand. His love for life extended far beyond his work, filling his free time with the sizzle of BBQ, the rhythm of dance, and the clatter of dominoes. Melvin's kitchen was a hub of life and love, where he poured his heart into his cooking and savored the joy of shared meals with family and friends. His vibrant personality touched many lives, especially that of his dear friend Joann Price, who fondly remembers him as a very good friend, a loving and outgoing person who went out of his way for everyone. Melvin leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion, survived by his adoring wife, Mary Johnson, their children Mary Marks, Melvin Jr, Christopher Johnson, and Ja'myrah Johnson, his brother Eddie Johnson, and his beloved grandchildren Kenneth Beraud Jr, Chrishiana Johnson, Iri Johnson, ZyZy Johnson, Brianna Johnson, Chrishaun Johnson, Melvin 3rd, Christopher Jr, and Kentravious Beraud and Paris. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leotis Johnson and Lorena Davis, and his sister, Alice Frazier. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived, holding onto the piece of us that left with him. To echo the words of Edward Abbey, "May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." We invite you to leave your memories and upload photos of Melvin on his memorial page as we remember him not just for his achievements, but for the inspiring, compassionate, adventurous, and loving man he was. As we navigate through this time of sorrow, let's remember to hold on to the happy times spent with Melvin, for as the saying goes, "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."