Joann Johnson

Joann Johnson came into this world on September 25, 1944. She closed her eyes one final time on January 18, 2024 at the age of 79. She was born in Dayton, Ohio to James Render and Fannie Mae Render (Harden). Both of her parents preceded her in death. Joann grew up in a loving and happy home. It was filled with laughter, good food, music and a strong sense of family bonds.

In addition to her parents, Joann's siblings included Lane Flowers, Mary Thrash, Cleo Bowie and Selema (Boot) Cofield, who have all preceded her in death as well as Ed Render and Kay Carter, who survive. During her school years, Joann attended and graduated from Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio. After graduation, Joann met and married Fred Edward Johnson from Marion, IN in 1962.

He also preceded her in death. It was through this holy union where her five daughters were born. They are Yolanda Ussery (Troy), Tashia Johnson, Fredoanna Ramirez, Kayatta Sapida (Sonny), and Khanje Johnson. Joann was truly loved by her 13 grandchildren which include Brittany Ussery, Ebani Hubbard, Olivia St. Clair, Indiya St. Clair, Dayana Holmes (Tavares), Ayman Smoot, Kamill Smoot, Tyler Sapida, Bailey Sapida, Christopher Acron, Kevin Acron, Lauryn Acron and Nick Acron. Joann was also blessed with three great grandchildren who include Iris Warwick, Elias Warwick, and Malaya Holmes. She was also an aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.

Joann relocated from Dayton, Ohio to Kokomo, Indiana, where she was an Office Secretary at Taylor Elementary school for many years. She loved and was loved by every student who passed through the school. It was in 2001 when Joann suffered a debilitating stroke. It affected her right side, speech and mobility. One thing the stroke didn't affect, however, was her memory. Even several years later after her stroke, she still recognized and knew Taylor Elementary students. Anyone who knew Joann knew that she loved good music. She not only listened in the car, but she would watch endless music videos on BET, MTV and VH1. Her favorite artists were MC Hammer, Bruno Mars, Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Johnny Taylor. Several years after her stroke, she moved to San Antonio, Texas under the care of one of her daughters, but as a resident of the Honey House, where she lived until her final sunset.

Her funeral arrangements will be handled by Ellers Mortuary at 3400 S. Webster in Kokomo, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 10 AM to 12 PM on February 2, 2024. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12 PM. Her burial will be at Sunset Memorial Garden in Kokomo, Indiana. Rest well mama.