Jeannie was born with significant hearing impairment and her twin sister, Janie, deaf, as a result of their mother suffering from Rubella while pregnant with them. Their generation was one of the first to experience programs and services for hearing impaired in both schools and communities. Jeannie played a part in creating a path for the generations of children with hearing impairments coming up behind her.
Jeannie was preceded in death by her mother, Darnell, father, James and sister, Susan. She is survived by her husband of 14 years, Bruce Johnson, sons, David Bourgeois and wife Nicole, Gary Bourgeois and wife, Amy. Also left behind to cherish her memory are; her loving twin sister, Janie Hollis Baker, sister, Sharon Buzzanca, and brother, Michael Foster.
Jeannie was very proud of her sons and especially loved her role as Nana to her grandchildren; Jessica, Blake, Bailey, Alex, Landon, Madison and Braedon. She is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.
Jeannie made many special friendships during her nearly 25 years working at Wal-Mart, Airline Drive. She loved her many coworkers and customers. Through her involvement with the Deaf Action Center, she also made many lifelong friendships.
The family will accept visitors beginning at 1:00pm on Friday, June 25th in the chapel at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Haughton, with memorial service immediately following at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations in Jeannie’s name to the Betty and Leonard Phillips Deaf Action Center.
The family wishes to thank The Carpenter House for the loving care the hospice team provided for Jeannie during her final days and the support and kindness they showed our family during that difficult time.
