Amelia Javorina

Amelia Javorina

Amelia Javorina, born April 16, 1921, lived a full and Spirit-filled life until November 24, 2017 when she went home to be with the Lord.

As those who knew Amelia can attest, she was a woman full of spunk, intelligence, compassion, love, generosity, personality. She was incredibly selfless; the best mother a son and grand child could ever ask for as described by her son, Skippy (as Amelia called him) Johnson. Amelia loved the Lord, she loved her family, she loved her heritage, and animals.

Faithful. She was a warrior. Her prayer list, which rested beside her, included many. And, she prayed without ceasing.  She believed in doing what she could to help others in prayer and in action. When she was younger and living in Seattle, she was one of a few chosen to participate in the first study on cholesterol-lowering medications. Today, that original research has led to the impact of improving the health of millions.

After graduating from high school, she spend one year at the Hibbing Junior College in the Business Course. She was involved in creative writing and computer literacy and was soon offered a position at the White House. Afraid of living in Washington DC alone, she declined the position, but continued to pursue excellence. In l939 she began employment with Lerch Brothers, Inc. as a stenographer-clerk. She left in 1942 after transferring to another location, to return again in 1951, working her way up to the Senior Woman in the office. She maintained this position with high regard until 1965. This was a remarkable accomplishment for the times.

She developed exceptional administrative skills and progressed from working with the VA/FHA Mobile Home Lending Program 1972-1979, to Vice President 1980-81 for Queen City Savings & Loan. She then spent a short time w/ RB Whit Electric as their bookkeeper before moving to Seattle. Her career at the Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic as their Bookkeeper kept her very involved until she relocated back to Hibbing in 1991.

Amelia was brilliant, sharp and hungry to learn right up until her passing. She extended her wealth of knowledge to those she could. Whether teaching Serbian (her heritage she was very proud of) to the HPUC meter reader, writing Serbian letters to her daughter-in-law, visiting the care center with Gunner (her beloved dog) and singing/praying in her native language (she spoke 3), or researching any and everything because someone asked her a question: she NEVER stopped seeking knowledge.

She also didn’t stop moving! Amelia was very active and energetic. She walked as often as she could, and was even known to have walked to the dentist office at age 95…in the middle of a snow storm. She also won The First Avenue Mile in Hibbing for the 70-75 year-old females. In her younger years she was an avid golfer, curler, photographer, ball player and even won the Woman’s State Softball Tournament in 1958. She even raised and showed Doberman dogs; she loved animals.

Amelia was beautiful, inside and out. An immeasurable beauty that touched the heart and soul of many.

She is survived by her son Stephen “Skip” (Susan) Johnson, Hibbing, five grandchildren, Stacey Seaton, South St. Paul, MN, Michael (Shani) Johnson, Chippewa Falls, WI, Michelle Johnson, Chippewa Falls, WI, Robert (Paula) Johnson, Brainerd, MN, and Brett Johnson, Minnesota, five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her son, Robert “Sammy” Johnson, her parents, seven brothers, and two sisters.

Funeral services for Amelia will be 11:00am, Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Abundant Life Church in Hibbing.  The Rev. Dan Scally will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.