Jo Ann Johnson

Jo Ann was born on February 27, 1961 in Nyack, NY, the daughter of James “Jim” and Katherine “Kay” Thompson. She and her family moved to Jamestown, NY then to Maine and finally settled in Horseheads, NY where she grew up. In High School, she ran track and field, and played the clarinet in the school band (but hated the marching band).

She married the love of her life, Bob Johnson on February 7th, 1981. Together they would have a son, Kenneth. She and Bob would live in several places throughout their lives together, including Florida, Pennsylvania, Watertown, Buffalo, and Rochester. When Ken was a young child, Jo was a stay-at-home mom, who lovingly cared for her son. Her family was the most important thing to her. She spent a lot of time going to all of Bob’s softball games and to Ken’s baseball games, football games and wrestling matches. She enjoyed spending time at home watching movies and TV, playing cards and games, reading and just really being a family.

As time went by, she would go on to become a licensed insurance agent. A job she would hold for 25 years. She was dedicated to helping people and customer service above all else. She built a loyal following of clients, many of whom just called her to say hi, see how she was doing, and have a laugh. She would continue to get calls from former clients in the years after she stopped working looking for help or just to check on her.

Jo Ann was amazingly funny and fun loving. She could make anyone laugh under any circumstance, even at her own expense or in the worst of times. She was also great at telling stories with the ability to draw-in anyone nearby. She would get so loud telling some stories or jokes, but still had the ability to deliver a quiet, witty one-liner that was able to floor you. She was generous and thoughtful with both time and resources. She was always finding ways to show that she cared by helping anyone that needed it in her own special way. Whether it was something simple like helping clean up after a party, or as important as lending an ear to listen to someone in need while sharing some wisdom in return, she was always there for you. She carefully thought of things to give as gifts, both big and small, that she could create or find knowing they would appreciate it.

In her later years, she developed a passion and skill for creating art and crafts. Particularly, painting canvases and other small crafts as gifts, resin making, jewelry making, and creating holiday decorations. She loved to read, and loved music, whether it was playing guitar, singing, or just listening to it. She also loved baking and making meals for people to enjoy. Jo Ann adored all animals, but especially the many beloved pets she had over the years. She loved playing with her grandchildren, talking with her daughter-in-law Michelle, and going on vacations as a family to the Outer Banks. Above all else, her greatest love in life was spending time with her family and friends.

She brightened the days of everyone who knew her. She was a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed.

Jo was predeceased by her father, James Thompson, and her sister, Susan Hardy. She is survived by her mother, Katherine Thompson, her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Johnson; her son, Ken (Michelle) Johnson; her grandsons, Keegan and Kellen Johnson; and her aunt, Patricia (Frank) Irving.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, July 30th, from 2-3PM at the Funeral Home of ALVAH HALLORAN & SON, 2125 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held immediately following at 3:00PM at the Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the services at California Rollin II, 1000 N. River St., Rochester, NY 14612 from 4:30PM-6:30PM. Food and drinks provided.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jo's memory may be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Rd, Fairport, NY 14450.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AlvahHalloranAndSon.com for the Johnson family.