Venessa Lenora Johnson's Obituary
Seventy-eight years ago, Venessa Lenora Johnson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the union of Raymond Charles Winn, Sr. and Mayme Whitlow Winn. In 1952, The Winn family relocated to Sacramento, California, where Venessa would spend the rest of her life.
At an early age Venessa accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She remained steadfast in her faith and devoted to the Lord throughout her life.
Venessa attended William Land Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High before graduating from Norte Del Rio High School. It was during her high school years that she met a young man from across town named Melvin Johnson, affectionately known as "Mel". Their love blossomed into a marriage that lasted 41 years, and together they were blessed with two sons, Eric and Eddie.
Following high school, Venessa worked for the State of California, Board of Equalization for 13 years. Later, she and Mel pursued their shared vision of serving children families by founding Children's Home Connection, Inc., in 1989.
Venessa cherished her family and found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, listening to music - especially jazz, dancing, relaxing in her jacuzzi, traveling, shopping and spending time with her close circle of girlfriends, affectionately known as, The Posse!
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, God called Venessa home to be with Him. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, faith, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Venessa leaves to cherish her memory her sons Eric (Wendy) and Eddie, her grandchildren Shelby and Evan; her sister JeVita Sawyer and brother Tremaine Winn and a host of nieces and nephews extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin Johnson, her parents Raymond and Mayme Winn, her brothers Clifford Winn, Raymond Winn, Jr., and Maynard Winn; sisters, Audrey Williams and Raynette Bradford.
"Well done, good and falthful servant" - Matthew 25:23
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