Faith Johnson

Faith Deanna Johnson “the miracle baby” was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 11, 1994 to Mr. Dwain and Mrs. Karen (Stephens) Johnson. Against the odds at birth, Faith persevered and lived a full life demonstrating a uniqueness like no other. Her vibrant spirit always brought a smile to your face. Faith was a strong determined individual. Her consistent resilience was evident throughout her life, even during her recent illness. No matter how challenging the day, Faith’s favorite saying was “I’m Fine”. On March 5, 2021 God peacefully reclaimed his angel to heaven. She will forever be missed.

Faith spent her early years living in Olympia Fields, IL. She was dedicated to the Lord at Mt. Calvary Church of God Holiness (Chicago, IL) by her great-uncle, the late Elder Byron Dunn. She worshipped there with her family until 2001. She was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. Upon relocation to the Delaware area, her family moved their membership to the Bethlehem Church of God Holiness-Philadelphia. She grew up serving in the Sunshine Band, Youth Choir, Young Girls Christian League and Youth Auxiliary. Faith’s public speaking was framed through performing in church plays and reciting speeches during special programs at church. Faith took piano lessons and played the piano at an early age.

Faith was affectionately known by family and friends as “Fay-Fay.” She attended elementary school at the Hockessin Montessori School in Delaware. This experience helped shaped her independence and cultural perspective of the world. Throughout her life and more into adulthood, Faith enjoyed traveling extensively with family and friends to try different culinary experiences. Even during her hospital stay Faith would order out fine dining. Faith just loved good food.

During her formative years in school, Faith played on the girls’ basketball team and she became a member of the Girl Scouts of America. Faith’s middle school years were spent at Fairwinds Christian School, and high school at Red Lion Christian Academy. Faith was active in mock trial and cheerleading competitions. She also received special recognition for outstanding poetry by the Creative Communications – Young Poets Speak Out! Faith enjoyed people. She also earned the covenant Jefferson Award for outstanding work in her community. Faith graduated High School in 2012. At the graduation ceremony, she was honored as one of 25 students awarded for their demonstration of Christian principles in the classroom. Faith’s Christian school education further instilled the word of God that also reinforced her spiritual journey.

Faith attended Eastern University in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania her freshmen year of college and majored in Social Work. Faith volunteered on many philanthropic projects. She continued doing community service work serving others at various shelters and assisted providing meals for the homeless along with other student activists. Faith’s compassion for people was a strength that radiated through out her family and friends.

Faith’s vision was to combine her social activism with film, she decided to change her major to film and television. Faith transferred to the University of Delaware where she majored in English and Film. She worked at the university library in the film department and was also selected as a social media intern for the university, managing the school’s twitter account. She graduated in 2016 with a B.A. in English/Film Studies.

In 2017, Faith went on to pursue a master’s degree specializing in Film/Television at Temple University. During that time, she worked as a cinematographer at the university and was selected as a digital news intern at channel 10 NBC - Philadelphia. Faith loved the experience of attending school and working in the “Big City.”

After graduation from Temple University in 2017, Faith accepted a news producer position with WKYC in Cleveland Ohio. She worked in the news division, pitching, covering, and confirming stories. Faith later recognized her goals and mission would be better aligned with the creativity and optimism offered in film and documentaries.

In 2019 Faith was accepted into the highly sought-after pilot cohort called “The Amazing Stories Film & Apprenticeship Program” created by Will Packer (Emmy nominated Film Producer), in Atlanta, GA. This program was created to catapult talented individuals into the film production industry. Faith was given the opportunity to work on several exciting productions that matched her personality and skill set. Faith had the opportunity to work on productions at the Tyler Perry Studios and Warner Brothers to name a few. Her goals included the production of film that was not only fun entertainment but also socially responsible.

Early 2020 Faith relocated back to Delaware. While film production became quarantined, Faith spent time doing photography, writing and recording music. She learned to play the guitar, read books, hosted prayer groups virtually connected members across the country and participated in bible study groups. Regrettably, Faith’s health became critical in January 2021. Faith proclaimed to her parents, “if God did not heal me on this side, make sure we meet again in heaven.” Her courage was incredible.

Faith is predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Elaine Stephens; paternal grand-mother, Mildred Johnson; both were instrumental in her early development, and other uncles, aunts, cousins, and special friends that lover her dearly.

Faith’s memory lives on forever with her loving and caring parents, Dwain and Karen (Stephens) Johnson; grandfather, Otis Stephens and Step-grandmother Rosie Stephens; a host of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins; Godmother, Yvette Watkins, adopted God-grand-mother Pearl Beale, God-brothers and God-sisters; and several special friends she considered her sisters, including her prayer and bible study groups, her church family, and a host of friends.

Sorrowfully/Prayerfully/Lovingly Submitted,

Dad, Mom and The Family.