Letisha Denise Johnson

October 10, 1964 – June 15, 2026

Denise Johnson, 61, passed away on June 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and dedicated service to her community.

Born on October 10, 1964, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Denise possessed an independent spirit. Leaving Tennessee at a young age, she set out to build a life on her own terms, guided by the determination and resilience that would characterize her throughout her life and career.

For many years, Denise served the Vero Beach community as a firefighter and paramedic, earning the respect and admiration of her fellow first responders. Known affectionately among her firefighting family as "Smokey," she answered countless calls for help with professionalism and resolve, dedicating herself to protecting and caring for others during some of their most difficult moments. Her service created lasting friendships within the firefighting community, where she was deeply valued and will be greatly missed.

Outside of her years of public service, Denise appreciated the quiet moments of life. She enjoyed fishing, feeding peanuts to the squirrels that visited her garage each day, and sharing her home with her beloved wolf-dogs. These simple routines reflected a side of her that found joy not in grand gestures, but in the quiet comforts of nature and the loyal companionship of her beloved animals.

Denise shared twenty-five years of partnership with Erin Burke, building a life together filled with shared experiences and steadfast companionship.

She is survived by her partner, Erin Burke; her son, Christopher Johnson, his wife, Joanna, and their son, Callan, of Beverly, Massachusetts; her son, Curtis Johnson of Vero Beach, Florida; her sister, Cindy Heaton, of Sophia, North Carolina; and many friends and colleagues whose lives were touched by her friendship and years of dedicated service.

Denise lived life on her own terms—with strength, independence, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Though she is gone, the impact of her years of service and the memories she leaves behind will continue to live on in those who knew and loved her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the friends, coworkers, and first responder community who stood beside Denise throughout her life. She will be remembered with respect, appreciation, and affection for a life spent serving others. Her quick wit, quiet kindness, and the love she shared with those closest to her will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Denise's life will be announced at a later date once arrangements have been finalized.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.

An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com