Britney Johnson

Ms. Britney Reneise Shantell Johnson was born on June 9, 1985, to Harvey and Bridget Johnson. Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, this Gemini Queen made a big impact in a lot of lives.

As a child, Britney attended Littlewood Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Eastside High School. Britney was on the EHS RAM Flag team and took pride in being a part of the band. She enjoyed spending her high school summers participating with the FAMU band up in Tallahassee, Florida. She was baptized at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville, Florida. Britney dived into her creative talents at an early age. She took pride in making various crafts, knitting, and handmade gifts for friends and loved ones.

Britney was so happy to become a big sister to Brianna. The two were inseparable and the bond they shared was incredible. As an older sister, Britney adored her siblings, Jasmine, Brianna, and Jamee. She held her memories with all of them, dear to her heart.

Britney entered the working world at an early age as well. She started at UF Student Health as an intern. UF Health was also grace with her strong work ethic for 10 years where she worked in Gastroenterology, scheduling the Operating Room, and as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry. Britney was a hard worker who valued and understood the importance of doing a great job no matter what the task.

While working, Britney also attended city college, where she earned her AA and bachelors degree. She was very proud of her accomplishments and was celebrated by her family.

In 2005, Britney gave birth to her greatest blessing, her baby girl, Zaniya Nelson. As a mother, Britney poured into Zaniya in so many ways, instilling love, care, and patience and worked to provide her with every resource she could. Whenever she spoke of "Z", you could hear the adoration in her voice.

When Jamee was unjustly taken from their family, Britney alongside her family took to the streets to fight for justice. Her activism continued, even as she fought her own battle, making calls to the State capital to demand change from her hospital bed.

Britney was blessed to have amazing parents who devoted love and attention to her in every capacity. They were truly by her side throughout her journey. Britney was surrounded in love.

Britney was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2022, and for the next 3.5 years, she faced mini trials and tribulations that she met face on with prayer and faith, involving her family, friends, and her enormous village. During her time battling cancer, she joined many groups and did vast research to learn more about breast cancer. More specifically, she joined a local support group, Blossoming Butterflies, that she spent much time at and thoroughly enjoyed. Her social worker, Kristin, worked tirelessly to help Britney in every way she could.

Britney leaves many broken hearts to cherish her memory: they include her daughter, Zaniya Nelson; parents, Harvey and Bridget Johnson; siblings, Jasmine Johnson and Brianna Johnson; grandparents, Earl and Ruth Ann DeSue; aunts, Felicia DeSue, Felina Williams, and Deborah Thomas; uncle, Rodney Johnson; as well as an extended list of great-aunts, uncles, cousins (a whole lot of them), honorary aunts, and many souring friends.

Britney was welcome into heaven by the angels who proceeded her in death, which include: her great-grandmothers, Thelma Clark and Mamie May Allen; great-grandfathers, Ulysses Clark,Sr., and Robert Ealey; paternal grandparents, Harvey M. Johnson, Sr., and Ruby Dean Johnson; aunt, Quila Haynes; uncles, Dwan Christopher DeSue and Dwayne Johnson; cousin, Billy Lorenzo Johnson; and her baby brother, Jamee Christopher Deontae Johnson.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Britney Johnson, please visit our floral store.