St. George, Utah - Dawna Jean Evans Johnson, beloved by all, passed away on January 31, 2023, at the age of 83. Her unconditional love, bright laughter and zest for life will be forever remembered and dearly missed.

Dawna was born in Grass Valley, California on March 16, 1939, to loving parents Harold and Priscilla Elbirta Householder. She adored her siblings, Evlyn, Carolyn, Margret, Paul, Swen, and Wilma, and often told stories of their daring adventures together. She was a happy, energetic child and carried this enthusiasm through all chapters of her life. She played on the tennis team and graduated from Yuba City Union High School. She then attended Brigham Young University, received a dental hygiene degree from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dental Medicine, and a Masters of laser dentistry from The University of California San Francisco.

Dawna married David L Evans in the Salt Lake Temple on December 18, 1959, the beginning of a beautiful eternal family. They shared a deep love for each other and for their Savior Jesus Christ. While starting their family they finished their educations and moved to Bellflower, in Southern California, to start their careers. A few years later with four children, they moved to San Jose in Northern California, where they continued working and raising their family. She loved being a dental hygienist and excelled in educating her patients about the best dental practices for optimal dental health.

Dawna had ten children, seven boys and three girls. She loved them so unconditionally, they all thought that they were the "Favorite". She took time out of her career to be a stay-at home mom, sharing that love of life and God with her children and their friends. She would take in any, and all, who had a need, always having love to give, and food to share. She was a fun mom who loved nature and all of God's creations, sharing her love of life, and of God with all.

Dawna cherished her 33 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; they were the world to her. When asked about Grandma Evans, her grandkids shared that she was spunky and kind. Her hugs made you feel safe and loved. She was always doing something good, whether it be reading the scriptures, or sending gifts to her grandkids, or helping her neighbors. The truth is that she sparkled even more than the sequins she loved to wear. She was a light to those around her and lit up their lives with love, that she so naturally gave. Dawna's hobbies revolved around her deep faith in God and family life. She had a great love for animals and helped her children with numerous pets: dogs, cats, lizards, hamsters, a talking bird, and even an alligator. Another hobby was a tradition of making hand dipped chocolates, that she generously shared. She also loved the water and was an avid swimmer, from lake swims, to behind waterfalls, as well as any, and all pools, even when the water was cold.

Dawna married Norris Kay Johnson in the spring of 2012. They met at the Family History Center and lived in St George, UT. They shared many wonderful years traveling and serving together. Life is always better together.

Dawna served three missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: a stake mission in San Jose, California, a Family History Mission in St George, Utah, and a senior couple mission to Barstow, California with her newly married husband Norris K Johnson, sharing the Savior's love and gospel with many. Dawna was an amazing example of God's most beautiful love and bright light to all, constantly thinking of others, living close to God's spirit, and enduring faithfully to the end.

Dawna was preceded in death by the love of her life, David Lloyd Evans; her parents Harold and Elbirta; and two of her siblings: Paul and Evlyn. She is survived by her loving second husband, Norris Kay Johnson; her children: David W. Evans (Lenore), Dan Evans (Jamie), Dar Evans (Lori), Diana Olsen (Russ), Dean Evans, Dawn Young (Chris), Darlene Crawford (Greg), Derek Evans (Lindsey), Doug Evans (Rebecca), Daryl Evans (Andra); her siblings: Carolyn Neal, Margret Wolfe (Michael), Wilma Roman, and Swen Householder (Jenni); as well as many adored nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the East Ridge Ward Chapel, 912 South 1740 East, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Thursday, prior to services, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment will be held Friday, February 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Mount Pleasant City Cemetery, Mount Pleasant, Utah.

Services can be viewed through the link attached:

https://zoom.us/j/95376180459?pwd=MVM2RDlRWVlCOThDWGx5YW4rRElvQT09