Lynnette Joy Johnson Gawrys

Lynnette Joy Gawrys (née Johnson), 69, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025, surrounded by family after a sudden and shocking recurrence of cancer. Born on March 31, 1956, at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and raised in Virginia Beach, she built a life defined by joy, independence, generosity, and remarkable capability.

A graduate of First Colonial High School (’74), Lynnette began her professional life alongside her late Aunt Elsie at Miller & Rhoads, moved through several roles that built her skills, and found her stride in construction management. She raised both of her children in construction—both are handy, and both, like their mother, are terrors at Home Depot. Ultimately, she finished her career with more than 20 years of service to the Naval Exchange Command. Still, her greatest work was the home and community she created around her.

Every accomplishment was achieved with efficiency and determination. Lynnette never did anything halfway. She was always “down” for an adventure and never backed away from a challenge. If something needed fixing or learning, she’d simply figure it out. She would educate herself or immerse herself in any new task or hobby, and she wouldn’t dare pay someone to do something she could do herself.

Lynnette transformed her Sandbridge home from ramshackle to radiant, turning it into a gathering place filled with laughter, warmth, and welcome. She loved gardening, beach days, boat days, arts and crafts, live music, and any reason to bring people together. She was the life of every party and the friend who never met a stranger. Her three grandchildren were her world.

She traveled widely, spending a year in Djibouti and visiting South Africa, Greece, and Spain. She camped often with her daughter and grandchildren and recently celebrated a joyful week in Punta Cana with them. With her son, she embarked on cherished “Mothers’ Trips” to Sonoma, St. Lucia, and Alaska. She lived with curiosity, delight, and a sense of adventure.

Her laugh—distinctive, unforgettable, sometimes compared to a wild turkey’s call—could be heard across any room. Her joy was infectious, her love expansive, her presence unforgettable.

Lynnette is survived by her children, Jeremy Caleb Johnson (Jan) and Karlyn L. Sims (Zane); her grandchildren Kali, Kenzi, and Zane Jr. (ZJ); her sister Barbara Riviere (Jim); her brother Louis “Wayne” Johnson (Darla); her niece Laurie Gurley; her nephew Lewis “Brian” Johnson (Ruthann); her special family of Kelii Armstrong and June Stickley; as well as her beloved Sandbridge Seagals and extended family throughout Virginia Beach and beyond. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul E. and Mary E. Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Margie & Ray’s—her frequent Friday night hangout—on Monday, December 15th from 4–7pm. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, December 16th from 5–7pm at Rosewood–Kellum Funeral Home. All are welcome at either or both.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (corollawildhorses.com).

Lynnette’s life was full of joy, resilience, and love. Her absence is immeasurable, and so is the legacy she leaves behind.

Follow the family’s journey at CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/7343c56c-cc96-11f0-9ebb-6319ca63d4c0