73, beloved wife of Paul G. Johnson, passed away on November 28, 2016 from complications associated with diabetes and heart failure. Despite lifelong fragile health, she engaged in a full life, accomplished much and was the source of love and laughter to all who knew her. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joan was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Brown. Joan & Paul arrived in Phoenix from Staten Island, N.Y. in 1972 with daughters Linda and Lisa in tow. Joan became active in Hopi and Arcadia High, Girl Scouts, St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church choir, the Irish Cultural Center and any activity involving education or music. Joan resumed her academic interests at ASU as a graduate student and English teacher. Joan loved the water, preferably near an ocean and spent many summers boating and water skiing with her children and half the neighborhood children. An avid reader, writer and music lover Joan wrote short stories and songs for her grandchildren. She became an amateur construction “super” overseeing the remodeling of her homes in Paradise Valley and the Catskills, where she summered enjoying local music, history and Chinese brush painting between short trips to her favorite city, New York. (Sorry Phoenix!) She is survived by her husband Paul G. Johnson; daughters Linda Bell of Oxford, England (Michael) and Lisa J. Cook of Ponte Vedra, Florida (Dan); sisters Helen Durell of Leigh-on-Sea, England (John) and Francis Kennedy (Tom) of Staten Island, New York; grandchildren Benjamin and Charlie Bell of Oxford England and Ryan and Aiden Cook of Ponte Vedra Florida; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be held on December 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Barnabas on the Desert at 6715 N. Mockingbird Ln. in Paradise Valley, with a reception following. A Graveside Service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery, 3315 Amboy Rd., Staten Island, NY on December 13, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Foundation, the American Heart Association, or the St. Barnabas Rectors’ Discretionary Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Barbara Nelson
On behalf of JT’s Creative Reading friends, sincere condolences to the Johnson family. We will miss JT and her incisive and perceptive contributions to our book discussions. I hope it will bring you comfort to know she was appreciated and valued here.
With Sympathy,
Barbara Nelson
Lyn Johnston
I first met JT in a Creative Reading class that we both attended. I was always delighted to discover that she was in subsequent classes. With a twinkle in her eye, she provided insights into the books we read and was not shy about sharing her views. She added a dimension of fun to the discussions that I always appreciated. I am grateful that our paths crossed.