Zolayha Johnson Obituary, Death; – A vigil is set for Friday to pay tribute to Zolayha Johnson, a 16-year-old student from McNary High School who tragically lost her life in a car accident earlier this week.
The public gathering will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Southeast Keizer Community Center, located within the Salem Mennonite Church at 1045 Candlewood Dr. N.E. The Southeast Keizer Neighborhood Association is collaborating on this event.
Colleen Busch, president of the association, stated, “This will be an open time for reflection and sharing condolences.” Light refreshments will be provided.
Johnson, a junior, died in a high-speed collision near Stayton on Sunday, March 23. Her 12-year-old sister, Zamora Miller, who attended Claggett Creek Middle School, sustained serious injuries and is currently hospitalized in Portland.
Two other students, one from McNary High School and another from South Salem High School, were passengers in the vehicle. According to a police affidavit, the driver was identified as Christopher J. Atkinson, 33, from Salem, who is currently in custody facing multiple criminal charges, including manslaughter related to Johnson’s death.
Johnson and her sister had lived in Keizer with their grandmother for most of their lives, as noted by family friend Korina Navarro.
Navarro mentioned that Johnson was a dedicated volunteer at the community center. “She was a student who faithfully attended our center every Friday,” she remarked. Last week, Johnson and her sister assisted Navarro in organizing clothing for a community closet and discussed plans for a community garden at the Keizer center. “They were excited about the types of vegetables they would plant,” Navarro added.
Mallory Turner is among those organizing a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family with funeral expenses.
The fundraising page highlighted, “They always arrived with a smile and brought joy to everyone they met.” It also noted that Johnson had a passion for cooking and often helped prepare and serve meals at the center.
Furthermore, the page indicated that Johnson aspired to become a chef after graduating from high school and was an active participant in the choir.
