Paula Johnson, 56, of Williston, ND passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at her home with her loving family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Paula was born on June 15, 1966, in Kenmare, ND to Leonard & Agnes (McNeal) Neft. She joined her six siblings and held the title of the baby of the family until 1970 when the family moved to Williston where the last sibling was born.

Paula attended Williston schools and graduated in 1985 from Williston High School. It was in high school that she met the love of her life, Shon. They were perfect for each other; true soul mates being married for 36 years. They were married on July 16, 1987, in Williston. She was so happy to join the Johnson family and thought of Terry, Carolyn, Troy & Guy as her very own. Paula had several jobs in Williston where she was a dedicated employee who gave 110% to everything she did.

In November 1989, they welcomed their son Jerami, and later welcomed their daughter, Jessica in February 1994. Being a loving wife and mother was so important to Paula. With each addition to the family, her joy and love grew; this was evident when Jerami married Bekka and when their children, Beau and Maci were born. Paula was so looking forward to Jessica’s upcoming wedding to Sye (Zimmerman) in May and the addition of another grandchild from her daughter, Jessica in October. Paula and Jessica had a special bond. They loved to shop together, have their girl talks on the phone or having Jessica fix her hair after she graduated from cosmetology school.

11 years ago, Paula got upgraded from wife and mother to Nana and she fully embraced that role. She enjoyed all the time with her boy, Beau. They had cookie dates, scoured every rummage sale for hot wheels and batman and taught him many games like Yahtzee. She was blessed 6 years ago with the wild one, Maci. Paula never got tired of chasing Maci and listening to her talk even if she was “out of words” for the day. Paula enjoyed spending time with Shon, her children and grandchildren. She was so proud of them and enjoyed watching all the sports that her loved ones participated in and her newfound love of dance through her granddaughter, Maci. She was looking forward to the addition of another grandchild from her daughter, Jessica.

The animals held a huge place in her heart. They had her trained and kept their daily routine with loads of treats and snacks. Nobody went unfed in her house.

Paula is survived by her loving husband, Shon; son, Jerami (Bekka) Johnson and their children, Beau and Maci; daughter, Jessica (Sye) Johnson and their unborn child; her second mother, Carolyn Johnson; brothers-in-law, Troy Johnson and Guy Johnson; brother, Ron (Sue) Neft; sisters, Rita (Chris) Wisely, Mary (Kim) Kitzenberg, Cookie Neft, Bonnie (Clint) Magandy, Dana (Todd) Melland; many nieces, nephews, cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; sister, Kathy Bouch; father-in-law, Terry Johnson; niece, Heidi Lee; many aunts and uncles.

Paula will be greatly missed by all who loved her.