"Adam was such a sweet spirit to be around," begins an entry in the memory book for the late Adam Johanson, assistant professor of physics and director of the Wiley Planetarium, who died in a car crash on Jan. 3, 2019, with his wife and high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Marshall Johanson, 35, and their 8-year-old daughter, Jane.
This sentiment was reiterated by many people who spoke at the tribute to the deceased held on campus on Jan. 25, 2019.More than 200 Delta State University students, faculty, staff, and administrators joined community members on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, to remember the kindness, generosity, compassion, faith, and dedication of Dr. Adam Johanson, 35, assistant professor of physics and director of the Wiley Planetarium, who died in a car crash on Jan. 3 with his wife and high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Marshall Johanson, 35, and their 8-year-old daughter, Jane.
Sniffles and chuckles came in equal measure from the Delta State family and the West Coast-based Johanson and Marshall families at the 90-minute tribute, which took place in Caylor Hall on the Delta State campus. Representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to whom the Johansons and Marshalls belong, also participated in the remembrance.
“Their lives inspire us to be better and follow in their example of loving each other and caring for those we come in contact with,” said Matthew Johanson, a sibling of Adam, articulating a touchstone that many speakers referenced.
Older sister Carrie Butikofer told anecdotes that symbolized the couple’s sensibilities. Adam ran in place as a toddler before moving forward, taking time to consider options and prepare for the task ahead—an approach continued into adulthood. Elizabeth, a devoted mother, not only liked to read, decorate cakes, and practice interior design but also loved rainbows because of what they represented: something beautiful after something stormy. Their complementary outlooks helped the couple persevere after tragedies and health issues with their children, family members recounted.
Morgan Dean, Jane’s teacher at Parks Elementary School, described the girl as “clockwork,” someone on whom he could depend. He cited “caring and intelligent eyes behind her glasses” that watched with gentle warmth “like a grandmother.”
No wonder more than 1,200 people have contributed to a GoFundMe campaign, explained Joe Bentley, a chemistry professor, set up by the Marshall and Johanson families to pay for memorial and funeral expenses and for support services for the surviving Johanson children, who also were in the fatal wreck: Megan, 12; Alec, 5; and Charlotte, 3. “To move this many people to help is a mark of a life well-lived,” he said.
Speakers praised Adam’s joy for teaching and commitment to kinship. He “always looked for a way to get involved,” said Robert Kagumba, assistant professor of biology, “and for a way to involve family.” Delta State student Brittany Adams appreciated how when she battled a lack of self-confidence, her professor said that when he thinks of her, “I think of an intelligent person that doubts herself too much.”
Shelley Collins, professor of music, and her son, Eddie Mitchell, sign the guestbook prior to the memorial service.
The couple were “so willing to give whatever they had,” whether big or small, said Leslie Green-Pimentel, an associate professor in social science. She worshipped with the Johansons and recounted instances of how they reflexively lent a helping hand.
Assistant Professor of Physics James Gerald, who gave his spare bedroom to Adam during his first semester at Delta State in summer 2016, turned to Mary Oliver’s poem, “Heavy,” to express his grief. Gerald also created a photo/video memory to the deceased with assistance from their families; it played to begin the remembrance and returned at the conclusion.
Janice Johanson, Adam’s mother, admitted to bragging for years about the type of accomplishments mentioned by the speakers. “I thought maybe I was exaggerating,” she said with a rueful smile. “I’m thinking now maybe not so much.”
About the true love between Adam and Elizabeth, she recollected how Elizabeth said that his affection for her was so deep it was as if the sun and moon revolved around her. “When you’re an astronomer, that’s pretty big,” said the proud parent.
She continued, “He trusted. He tried.” And he believed—in his work, in his family, and in his religion.
“Families are forever,” echoed Bishop Greg Morrill.
The Johansons “will not be forgotten,” stated Delta State President William N. LaForge. “Let us proceed solemnly with them in our minds and hearts.”
Song filled the emotional event. Bret Pimentel, associate professor of music, played a woodwind prelude. The Johanson family sang “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” And the closing song was “God Be with You Till We Meet Again.”
Douglas Johanson, Adam’s father, led the final prayer.
Go here to read obituaries of the deceased provided by the Johanson and Marshall families:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rnp6vdalfu90vaj/AACB6U1F96O1InayY87PVZ46a?dl=0
Go here to watch a video tribute of the deceased created by Joshua Johanson, brother of Adam:
Adam Johanson, my little brother, died in a car accident on January 3, along with his wife, Elizabeth Marshall Johanson, and his daughter, Jane Johanson. I have been absolutely devastated and can't seem to do anything else but miss him.Adam was closest to me in age. As a kid, I always wanted to teach him and guide him, but he was already brilliant. One thing that did come out of it was that he learned to understand my logic. When I felt that no one understood what I was trying to explain, he understood me, and that meant a lot. He is one of the smartest and most compassionate men I know. He has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. I will miss him and forever wish I had more time with him. One day I will stop crying, but I am glad that he is finally with his Jack, all without having to leave Elizabeth or Jane.
Posted by Joshua Johanson on Monday, January 7, 2019
