Born in 1945 in St Louis, MO., and later relocating with her parents to Long Beach, CA. She graduated from Saint Anthony High School in Long Beach CA., and met the love of her life at the young age of 18. Jo married Richard Johnson a young Marine in 1966 and started a family that would fill her life with joy for the rest of her life. Jo spent time throughout California raising her children and working as an elementary school teachers assistant. She had a gift to inspire young minds that came natural. In 1996 Jo retired from the school district of Porterville, CA and moved to Glendale, Arizona.
Jo loved spending time with her family often cooking their favorite meals and enjoying warm conversations. An avid baseball fan she was well known for attending many spring training games and was a season ticket holder to the Diamondbacks for many years. She had a wonderful sarcastic sense of humor that everyone recognized and appreciated. A Servants heart best describes Jo Elaine. She was always putting others needs before her own, a generous kind soul that will be dearly missed by all.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years of marriage Richard Johnson, her beloved children Michelle Johnson, Travis Johnson, Jodi Lopes and three grandchildren that were her pride and joy Tyler Macias, Megan Lopes, Lauren Lopes. Also survived by her was her brother David Novosal of Long Beach, CA and Lois Novosal of Phoenix, AZ.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00pm, at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 10:00am, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 6180 W. Utopia Rd. Glendale, AZ 85308. Graveside service will follow at 12:00 pm at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351.
Memorial gifts may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation 12650 Riverside Dr, Suite 206 North Hollywood, CA 91607
