Courtney Ann Johnson "Coco"

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023; Courtney Ann Johnson “Coco” returned home to Heaven. Coco was admitted to Riverton Hospital ICU on Friday, February 24, with pneumonia. After courageously fighting for 5 days to regain her health, she was freed from the physical limitations she endured for 26 years. During her stay in the hospital, Coco received the most kind and compassionate care from the ICU team.

Coco was born in Sandy, Utah, at the Alta View Hospital, on July 30, 1996. She was born two weeks early and was very tiny weighing only 5 pounds. Courtney attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Around the age of one, Coco was diagnosed with a brain disease, which her family later found was degenerative. This diagnosis led her and her family down a path they could never imagine. Through the years, Coco saw several doctors and specialists. Her disease was as rare as she was. Her family never got a definitive diagnosis, so they just loved her as she was and took it one day at a time.

Coco loved going to visit her family in Montana, especially Grandpa and Grandma Stott’s farm. She played outside for hours with her cousins who loved her very much. Coco loved all dogs and would love to give them kisses. She would open her mouth really wide and let the dog lick inside her mouth. As far as we know, no dogs ever got sick from this.

Coco was loved by so many because of her sassy personality. Her normal response to everything was “NO” whether it was getting an ice cream cone, which she loved, or getting dressed for the day, which she hated. If you didn’t catch it the first time that she said NO, she would often respond with a firm sign language “NO!”

One of Coco’s favorite games was to steal your chair. She would eagerly wait for you to stand up, then she would run to your chair and sit in it and giggle and giggle. We called her Swiper. Along with stealing your chair, she would tease and steal your nose and even steal your name!

About 15 years ago, her Mom was calling her by her name “Courtney”. She clearly responded, “No, I am Coco!” This nickname has stuck ever since, and some people didn’t even know her given name was Courtney.

When Coco wanted to give you a hug, you needed to brace yourself! She would run full speed toward you and not stop until impact. Or she might grab you around the neck and pull you in for a very firm kiss.

A few of Coco’s favorite things were: Barney, McDonalds, Pepsi, Ice Cream Cones, Tootsie Rolls, Nikes, Dogs, Dolls, Lucky Charms, Musicals, Arthur, Farts, Physical Comedy, Music, Opening Presents, Balloons, Stickers, and Swimming.

Coco is survived by her parents, Bret & Stacey Johnson, her brother, Tyge Johnson (Toni), 1 nephew, Kai, 1 niece, Indie, sister, Jentry Stocking (Cameron), her grandparents and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

VIEWING:
Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6-8 pm
12830 S. 2700 W., Riverton, UT

INTERMENT:
Friday, March 10, 2023, 1 pm
Salem, Utah Cemetery

CELEBRATE COCO:
Friday, March 10, 2023
6-7 pm Open House
7 pm program and sharing of memories*
12852 S. 3200 W., Riverton, UT

*There will be time set aside for anyone who would like to share their memories of Coco.