B. Janice Johnson

Barbara Janice "Jan" Johnson passed away peacefully on January 30, 2022, at the Hawthorne Inn of Danville, where she had resided since June of 2018.

Jan was born March 15, 1929 in Minneapolis, MN to Malcolm and Florence Nosker. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947 where she was active in clubs, sang in the choir, and was a member of the National Honor Society. As a senior, Jan was given the lead role in the schools theater production which remained a favorite memory for her. Growing up, Jan developed many friendships through her participation in several leadership and service organizations, including Jobs Daughters. After graduation, she attended the University of Minnesota while also playing the accordion at city events and giving accordion lessons.

Jan spent the summers of her youth at the cottage her parents owned on beautiful Lake Sylvia in Minnesota. It was there that she met her lifelong love, Bob, who vacationed just down the shoreline. She married Robert "Bob" Johnson in Minneapolis on March 25, 1950 prior to his call to service in the Korean War as a Naval Reservist. Jan and their infant daughter, Cindy, joined Bob in Guam in mid-1951 for the remainder of his duty. Following Bobs second tour of duty, they settled in Minneapolis where they welcomed three more children to the family. In 1960, the family relocated to Danville where they enjoyed time with dear friends, close neighbors, and their church community.

Jan had many interests. She was an accomplished musician who gave of her time and talents by directing the childrens choir at Bethel Lutheran Church for many years, while also being a long standing member of the Senior church choir. As a skilled seamstress, she spent many hours sewing for her family; including making prom and wedding dresses, as well as creating costumes for holidays, church pageants, and school concerts. She served on the PTA, led Scout troops, was a ready help with homework, and encouraged her childrens interests in extracurricular activities. Jan shared her creative talents with her friends and family who were often the recipients of her handiwork. Her children and grandchildren will treasure the many ornaments and decorations she has created over the years. Jan enjoyed playing games of all types, from bridge to solving crossword puzzles. Many family gatherings were spent playing cards, board games, and solving crossword puzzles around the kitchen table. Jan participated in golf and bowling leagues, several bridge clubs, and enjoyed traveling with her husband. She served her community in many ways, including volunteering over the years in the "Toys for Tots Program".

Jan was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her beloved husband of 70 years, Bob, her daughter-in-law, Peggy Johnson, and son-in-law, Greg Chelcun. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy (the late Greg) Chelcun of Wallingford, CT; her son, Glenn (the late Peggy) Johnson of Danville; her daughter Judy (Michael) Brockgreitens of Lebanon, MO; and daughter, Karen (Richard) Prather of Lincolnville, ME.

Throughout her life Jan was blessed with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with whom she loved to spend time: Brian Chelcun of Brooklyn, NY, Johanna (Tom) DAddario of Cromwell, CT; David Johnson (Haley MacKenzie) of Las Vegas, NV, Jesse (Rebecca) Johnson of Louisville, KY, Sarah Johnson and her children, Audrey and Carson Strawser of Danville; Rachel (Brian) Gibson and their daughters Claire, Ella, and Ashley of Gainesville, GA, Rebecca Forshee and her children Evan and Anna of Lebanon, MO; Ryan (Lauren Kane) Prather of Nashville, TN, and Lauren Prather of Denver, CO.

Jan led a long and full life. She will be greatly missed and warmly remembered by her loved ones.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the compassionate and dedicated staff at Garden Court /Hawthorne Inn for their continuous care, especially during these recent challenging times. Carle Hospice also provided comforting care to Jan and the family over the past few months.

In honor of Jans wishes the family has called upon the care of Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. A memorial service will take place at a later date when family and friends may safely gather to honor Jan. Contributions in her name may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church of Danville.

Please join the family in sharing memories of Jan on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.