Janet M. Johnson

Janet M. Johnson, age 80, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 19, 2021, at her home in Gladstone, with her family by her side. Her loving husband A.J. preceded her in death on June 18, 2007.

Janet was born January 6, 1941 in Flint, Michigan to Elwood and Mary (Smith) Moore. Janet married her soulmate, A.J. Johnson Jr. at his parents home in Fostoria, MI, January 22nd, 1958. They made their home in Fostoria and were blessed with their 10 children. The family also resided in New Mexico for several years where many special relationships were formed. The Johnson family made their final move to the Upper Peninsula in 1984 and made their home in Rapid River. Janet moved to Bayview Manor in Gladstone, MI in 2017 where she resided until her passing and gained so many important friends.

Janet’s children were blessed with a loving mother who considered herself the luckiest lady in the world to have so many ‘perfect’ children who she bragged of without hesitation or regret. Janet loved to travel with her husband whenever possible as they explored the United States in A.J.’s 18 wheeler until his passing in 2007. Anyone who knew Janet, or pass her in a hallway, soon realized she was ready to visit. Janet never missed an opportunity to bend the rules if it seemed like it would make others happy. She was selfless in every way possible.

Janet’s true calling in later years was becoming the fun and loving Grandma to all her generations of grandkids and any other kids for that matter. She considered herself 5 years old and would joke that children outgrew her youthful personality. You would catch Janet cruising the streets of Gladstone on her mobility scooter on her way to lunch, visit the park or shop at her favorite store, St. Vincent de Paul. Janet also claimed the status of Rapid River Rockets #1 fan where she had so many loved ones play sports there. She cherished talking with friends and family, spending countless hours on the telephone as long as the batteries on her phone would allow.

Janet is survived by her children, Randy (Merry) Johnson of Rapid River; Mark (Mary) Johnson of Lovington, New Mexico; Brian (Tonya) Johnson of Rapid River; Troy (Twyla) Johnson of Rapid River; A.J. III (Shari) Johnson of Rapid River; James (Heather) Johnson of Rapid River; Shanell (Brandon) Bennett of Clio MI. Brother Rick (Carol) Haskin Dorr MI, Sisters: Barb Scott, Mayville, MI; Deborah (Edward) Moncman, Mayville, MI; Margo McCrory, Alger, MI; Leslie Jo McNinch, Bellaire, MI; Karen (Dan) Rogers, Fenton, MI. Grandchildren Joanna Thorbahn, Andrea Cook, Chris Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Brian Johnson Jr, Alecia LaTulip, Dan Johnson, Randy Johnson, Steve Johnson, David Johnson, Josh Johnson, Mark Johnson Jr, Amanda Johnson, Amy Johnson, Steve “Matt” Johnson, Dominik Bennett, Shandon Bennett, AJ IV “Adam” Johnson, Sarah Sorenson, Emily Johnson, Carter Johnson, Mason Johnson, Cody Johnson and 22 precious great grandchildren. Also many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, A.J. Jr; her sons Steve, Randy Rae and Johnny Jr; her parents and several loving siblings.

Janet’s family will receive friends on Friday, from 4:30PM to 7:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Visiting hours will resume on Saturday morning, from 10:00AM to 12:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with funeral services commencing at 12:00PM, with Pastor William Rafuse of the Rapid River Congregational Church officiating. Janet will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery in the spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.