Joann Clara Bright Johnson

Joann Clara Bright Johnson, 95, the matriarch of our family, left this earth peacefully on December 27, 2022, at Kobacker House after a severe stroke. She lived independently and with determination her entire life, including the last several months at Friendship Village. Joann was born on November 21, 1927, to Homer Bryan Bright and Hazel Wooley Bright in Columbus, Ohio. She was their only child and grew up in the quaint neighborhood of Clintonville, Ohio. She graduated from Columbus North High School in 1945. She then attended Denison University, pledged to Delta Gamma sorority, was captain of Denison’s female powder puff tackle football team, and met her future husband, Charles “Chuck” Ernest Johnson. She graduated from Denison in 1949 and wed Chuck in 1950, and they eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio. They were active members in the First Baptist Church of Shaker Heights where Joann sang in the choir for many years. Joann also taught elementary school until they were blessed with three children: Sharon Lee, Bryan Bright, and Wendy Lou. In 1972 Joann relocated to Columbus, Ohio where she raised her three children on her own. She obtained her realtor’s license, returned to teaching, earning a master’s degree in education from The Ohio State University at the age of 65. She taught the Gifted and Remedial Reading program in the Columbus Public Schools. She encouraged and motivated her students to graduate from high school and go on to a secondary education. She was an avid football fan and knew more than most about the game. She was happiest during football season, watching her favorite teams, the Cleveland Browns, and the OSU Buckeyes. She loved playing tennis and continued the sport until age 85. She volunteered at the Supreme Court of Ohio giving tours to grade school students. She was on the Board of the Buckeye Ranch and the Reunion Committee for Columbus North High School. She was also an avid bridge player and played regularly throughout her life. She had a flair for fashion, and her motto was “the more sparkle the better!” Her creative and artistic side came out with her talent for spray painting anything that didn’t move GOLD, although she would also paint beautiful landscapes and still lifes. She was a selflessly devoted mother and grandmother, emphasizing the joy of competitive sports, the importance of education, and a passion for music and the arts. She won several clothing design competitions in high school, as well as competing on the swim, synchronized swim and diving teams. She loved playing classical and popular music on the piano. She thrived on her children’s accomplishments and was their biggest cheerleader. She spent the last few winters in The Villages, Florida with her daughter, Wendy and son-in-law, Larry, making beautiful memories with them. She will truly be missed. Preceded in death by her parents, former husband Chuck, daughter Sharon, and granddaughter Molly Tyree. She is survived by her son, Bryan (Ingrid) Johnson, daughter Wendy (Larry) Tyree, grandchildren Morgan (Robb) Taylor, Stephanie (Brandon) Gobble, Derek Johnson, extended family and many dear friends. A special thank you to Kobacker House and Friendship Village for their loving care. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to The Buckeye Ranch, 5665 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123, and Kobacker House, c/o OhioHealth Foundation, 3430 OhioHealth Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43202. Family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.

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