JoAnne Maxine Byrd Johnson

Born August 8, 1951 to the late George Joseph Byrd and Mary Rollins Byrd of Sparta, Virginia. At an early age JoAnne was baptized and joined St. Stephens Baptist Church in Central Point, Virginia. She attended the Caroline County Public Schools and was a graduate of Union High School Bowling Green, VA. 1969 and attendant Smith-Madden Business College Richmond, Virginia.

JoAnne was employed with Fort Wayne Community Schools working with Special Needs Children for many years. The last ten plus years of her employment were with Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana. JoAnne loved working with and helping people with disabilities or special needs.

JoAnne’s loving smile and happy demeanor will always be remembered by those lives she touched. Known for her love of gemstones and Jewelry, a happy person and had many friends.

She was preceded in death by her son Donald Albert Johnson. Two brothers Kermit and Donald McKee Byrd. She leaves to mourn their loss, a loving husband Donald M. Johnson Fort Wayne, IN. Four sisters

Barbara O’Neal (John) Champlain, Virginia, Lelia Fortune (Keith) Bowling Green, Virginia, Donna and Lydia Byrd Ruther, Virginia. Two brothers Maynard Byrd Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bennie Byrd (Donna) Fredricksburg, Virginia. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The garden gate stood open

He saw you needed rest,

God’s garden must be beautiful

For he always picks the best,

God knows you had to leave us

But "You" didn’t go alone.

A part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

Calling at D.O. McComb and Sons Foster Park Funeral Home Wednesday, May 1, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will also be funeral services and burial in Bowling Green, Virginia at a later date. To sign the online guestbook please visit, www.domccombandsons.com.