Obituary of Tina Mae Johnson

Tina Mae Johnson-Caldwell, a beloved wife, mother, foster parent, and friend, passed away on June 4, 2023.  She was born, 3rd of 4 children on June 2, 1966, in Albert Lea, MN, to Jesse and Mary Zamora. Tina's upbringing in a Jehovah Witness household was filled with challenges that she faced with unwavering strength.

After graduating from Apple Valley High School, Tina pursued her passion for visual technology and obtained her Associates in Visual Technology from St. Paul College. In March of 1987, she married her longtime friend, William Johnson, and together they built a beautiful and diverse family, raising ten children, 4 of which were adopted and fostered many others, creating a multiethnic symphony in their household.

Tina's dedication to foster parenting and her commitment to providing a loving environment for children earned her and William the prestigious titles of Foster Parents of the Year and the Family Advocacy Award from Anoka and Ramsey County. Their selfless contributions to their community will always be remembered.

In 2005, Tina married Robert Caldwell, expanding the multiethnic symphony to include three additional daughters, and welcoming another son into the world. Tina and Robert’s home became a safe haven for many, offering refuge to numerous individuals in need. Throughout her life, Tina continued to pursue her education, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and a Master's Degree in HR Training and Development from Stout University.

Professionally, Tina worked as a valued member of the Dayton warehouse retail team and served as an administrative assistant at Brown and Bigelow. Behind the scenes, she showcased her creativity and craftsmanship, excelling in graphic design and contributing to the creation of Volcanic Thursdays at Hunan Gardens alongside Wesley Spearman.

Despite her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, Tina never allowed it to dampen her spirit or limit her achievements. She remained an active and dedicated mother, engaging in PTA activities, including hosting teachers at her home, attending all her children's sports, music, and choir functions. Tina was also a devoted Girl Scout leader and, together with another mother, wrote a weekly newsletter highlighting school events and distributing it to families.

Tina's nurturing and creative nature extended beyond her family, as she organized the most successful Scholastic Book Fair at Highwood Hills and took pleasure in supporting her loved ones from behind the scenes. She enjoyed visiting apple orchards, pumpkin patches, playing computer games, and engaging in graphic design and website development.

In her free time, Tina relished dining at her favorite restaurants, such as Red Lobster, Bullvino’s Brazilian Steakhouse, and Mike & Steve's Best Steak House. After hours, her and Robert frequented The Checker Bar, Hunans, Tin Cup, and Tracks.  She also found joy in visiting casinos and embarking on road trips, cherishing the time spent with her loved ones.

Tina will be remembered as a fiercely loyal individual who always sought acceptance and love. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dionna, her father, Jesse Zamora, and her in-laws, Frank Jr., and Lavern Johnson, as well as George and Jacqui Caldwell.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Caldwell, her former husband, William Johnson, children, Chantel (Hervin), Tashiana Caldwell (Jay Jay), William Joshua (Michelle), Kayloni Caldwell, Aaron (Emily), Andre (Vanna), LaTanya, Isaac, Shalesa, and Robert Jr., siblings, James, Debbie, and Annette Gutierrez.  Additionally, Tina leaves behind a host of foster children, grandchildren, extended family members, and friends, all of whom deeply mourn her loss.

Tina Mae Johnson-Caldwell's memory will forever inspire us to embrace love, compassion, and the courage to overcome adversity. Her legacy of selflessness and dedication to family and community will be cherished by all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

The service will be live streamed via zoom beginning at 11 AM. Use the link and information below to access.  

Zoom Live Stream

Meeting ID: 878 9371 1529

Passcode: Cp0mJ8