Doris Jean Johnson

Doris Jean Dorsey Johnson, 88, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend, passed away surrounded by her children on July 8, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.

Born on March 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Doris was the daughter of Howard Joseph Dorsey and Nova Audell Spradlin Dorsey.

Doris was known throughout her life for her remarkable work ethic.

As a teenager, she worked as a carhop at Frisch's Big Boy before later becoming a cashier at IGA and Erlich's supermarkets.

She married her handsome husband Ronald Bert Johnson, on August 11, 1960, and for 45 years they built a life centered on family, service to others, and enjoying the life they shared. In 1965, she and her family relocated from Ohio to Arizona.

A devoted mother, Doris was actively involved in each of her four children’s school and sports activities. She served as a dedicated PTO member and leader for many years and was always present to support her family.

Throughout her life, Doris held a variety of jobs that reflected both her strong work ethic and her friendly nature. She easily made friends in grocery lines and actually just about anywhere there were people. She worked in downtown Mesa at Tres Amigos Western Wear as a saleswoman, and later became a successful Tupperware consultant, building many lasting friendships along the way. She could sell just about anything, whether you needed it or not!

Housekeeping was the profession in which she took the greatest pride. She cared for the homes of many families with exceptional skill, reliability, integrity, and kindness, earning the trust and admiration of everyone she served. She was especially honored to work for the Fulton family, whose respected Arizona homebuilding company is well-known throughout the state. Their appreciation for her dedication extended beyond Arizona, often inviting her and her very dear cousin Esther Hamblin to care for their home on Coronado Island in California. The confidence they placed in her reflected the lasting impression she made on those fortunate enough to know her.

Doris also gave generously of her time as a volunteer for many years at the Center for the Blind in Phoenix, where she was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding service. She also was an American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer and Vice President and membership chairman for several years.

Outside of work, Doris embraced life with enthusiasm. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, thrift store shopping, yard sales, sunbathing (especially on the lake), bingo, trying her luck at the casino, gardening, and singing karaoke with friends at the American Legion. She especially treasured time spent with family and friends and found joy in the simple moments that brought people together. Backyard BBQ’s were one of the places her personality shined through, as she prepared her famous sweet beans and Velveeta Mac and cheese and sang around a campfire.

One of Doris's greatest expressions of love was through cooking and baking. She delighted in preparing meals and favorite desserts for family and friends that she loved. For more than a decade, she made homemade peanut brittle every season (except summer) to help support her grandchildren's tuition at their Christian school. The peanut brittle became a cherished tradition that family and friends eagerly anticipated each year.

Those who knew Doris will remember her generous heart, unwavering kindness, and willingness to help anyone in need. Whether through a thoughtful meal, a listening ear, or a helping hand, she made everyone around her feel loved and cared for.

She is preceded in death, by her husband Ronald Bert Johnson, and her parents along with her brother, Jim Dorsey; her sisters, Mary Creed, Rosie Baysore, Hazel Lewis, and Betty Vinson; and two beloved grandchildren, Chad and Benjamin Salcido.

Doris is survived by her four children, Greg and Doug Johnson, Rhonda (David) Salcido, and Carol Bafford, all of Mesa, Arizona; her sister, Joyce Bryant of Middletown, Ohio; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and devotion to her family that will continue for generations.

A service to honor Doris's life will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the church located at 2424 N. Old Gilbert Road, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

Those whose lives were blessed by Doris are invited to join her family in celebrating the love, laughter, and kindness she so freely shared throughout her life.

Her American Legion karaoke friends will be remembering her on August 9th from 6-8 pm at Post 26 located at 505 W. 2nd Avenue Mesa, Az.