Johnson was appointed to a vacancy in 2006 by the Illinois Supreme Court. Elected to a countywide vacancy in 2008, she served on the bench until 2015.
Before her judicial appointment, Johnson served as Chief of Staff for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. From 1996 to 2003 she served as General Counsel and then First Assistant General Counsel for the Chicago Board of Education. She also served as General Counsel to the Chicago Housing Authority, and from 1985 to 1994, was Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel and Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She served as an attorney with the Legal Assistance Foundation for more than 5 years at the beginning of her career. Johnson was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980.
I have so far been unable to find a published obituary. This post may be updated as additional information becomes available.