Arleen Johnson's Obituary
Arleen F. (Seevers) Johnson, 88, of Cape Coral, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. She was the wife of 54 years to the late John Johnson.
Arleen was born in Moline, IL, on August 9,1937, to the late Dale A. and Doris F. (Latch) Seevers. She grew up in Decatur, attending Decatur area schools. Early in life, she showcased a love of art beginning with watercolors in her childhood. She completed High School, graduating and heading on to higher education. She attended Illinois State University at Normal, pursuing her love of Art and earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education. During this time in college, she met her future husband, John Johnson, and the two were wed on June 8, 1958. Sharing her love of Art with young minds, she had relocated to Lexington, IL, to be closer to the three schools in which she held classes.
In 1965, Arleen and John decided to relocate to Ft. Myers where she began instructing all different High School students, instilling in them a passion for Art during a time where schools were segregated. Growing their family, Arleen was blessed with her first child, daughter Jennifer in 1969, followed by daughter Susan in 1971, and son Jonathan in 1975. She retired in 1971, allowing her to focus fully on raising her family.
Arleen loved spending time with her family; whether they were on a camping adventure, volunteering for their church, competitive swimming, on their annual excursion to Kentucky for a Family Reunion, or cheering her children in the school band, where she had actually sewn the flags used in their performances. All throughout her life she had a love for Art, evolving to the point where she had her own ceramics workshop complete with tools, molds, and a personal kiln. Arleen was a voracious reader, she would visit the library once a week to retrieve 7 or 8 books, of which she would complete all in a week.
Arleen is survived by her beloved family: daughter Jennifer (husband Darian), daughter Susan (husband Glenn), and son Jonathan (wife Kortney). She was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Paeton (Marisa), Brandon (CJ), Dylan (Corrine), Ava (Hunter), Mara, Keyan, and Brianna. She was also Great-Grandmother to 9: Nova, Kaysen, Aurora, Whitlee, Zeplynn, Weston, Easton, Ellie, and Rustyn. Sister to Allen Seevers (wife Lynn) and Brad (wife Carol). She also leaves the innumerable friends she made throughout her life.
A Visitation for Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, March 19, from 9:00am to 11:00am in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, located at 1589 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida.
A Funeral Service will follow on Thursday, March 19, at 11:00am in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
Arleen will be laid to rest beside her husband, who passed away in 2012, in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arleen’s name may be made to the Gulf Coast Church of Christ Building Fund.
What’s your fondest memory of Arleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arleen?
Share a story where Arleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arleen you’ll never forget.
How did Arleen make you smile?

