Jane Moody Johnson

Jane Johnson lived a long and colorful life. She was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland on August 9, 1924, the third child of Lizzie and Alexander Moody. She spent most of her formative years in the picturesque hills of Northern Ireland with her four siblings. Her sisters and brother Annie, Mary, Nellie, and Billy all remained close throughout their lives. She loved to share stories about growing up in Ireland.

Jane’s life was impacted by WWII. There were many American soldiers stationed in Ballymena during the war years and during this time she met and married William Casby in 1943. After the war, she came to America on the SS Henry Gibbons as a war bride. Sadly, the couple lived together only a short time in Minneapolis, Minnesota before he passed away in a tragic accident. Most of her family was in Knoxville, Tennessee and she relocated to be near them. Here she met and married Richard Moore in 1947 and had five children, Alexandra, Robin, Gail, Richard Jr, and Alexander, during their twenty-five-year marriage. In her later years, she married Alva Johnson of Charlottesville, Virginia. After his passing, she moved with her daughter Gail to Austin, Texas where she lived for the past 20 years.

Jane’s lifelong interest in art was omnipresent. She was always happiest when she was using her creative abilities and expressed this talent through ceramics, doll making, decorating, and watercolor painting. She was generous with her knowledge and time, and always volunteered to teach anyone that showed an interest in painting.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Lizzie and Alexander Moody, her siblings, Annie McClintock, Mary Conway, and Rev. William Moody. She is survived by her sister Nancy Ellen Caviston and friend, Lonnie Blackwell. Her five children and their spouses live across the country. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember and miss her greatly. Jane’s life will be remembered as a source of inspiration for everyone who knew her. She was a truly a resilient and creative person with a bright mind and a kind heart. She loved her family deeply and was happiest when she was surrounded by them.