Janice Mae Johnson

Janice Mae (Davis) Johnson passed away peacefully on May 08, 2024, at the age of 89. A longtime resident of Layton, Utah, she was a source of warmth and joy to all who knew her. Born on October 6, 1934 in Akron, Ohio, Janice was the first person in her family to graduate from college, receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron in 1956. After graduating, she and a couple of friends decided to move across the country to Southern California, where she eventually met her husband, Philip Johnson, raising two children in California and then Salt Lake City, where she worked as an office manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

A spirited traveler, Jan had a passion for exploring the world, visiting 6 continents and a multitude of countries. Among her favorite trips were those she took around South America and Australia to see penguins, her favorite animal. She shared countless stories and adventures with family and friends, enriching their lives. Known for her boundless generosity, Jan always made others feel cherished. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was not opposed to breaking the rules, spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with more treats than their parents might have approved of.

Her sly sense of humor made every gathering lively. She loved playing card games with family and friends, including a weekly meetup with her neighborhood friends for most of her retired life. Her infectious laughter lifted spirits wherever she went, leaving loved ones with fond and joyful memories. Everyone can remember countless occasions when her passing comments sparked laughter.

She was a voracious reader for most of her life, spending much of her time after retirement perusing the bookshelves of local bookstores, followed by a latte, so she could enjoy her newest volume. Her dining room table was used less for entertaining and more for jigsaw puzzles, the more difficult all the better. All of her family will miss her home cooking; especially her pork chops and noodles, as they were a favorite, provided one ignored the calorie count. Her home was often filled with her off-key singing along with Elvis Presley or Celtic songs, amusing others around her, although not always their ears.

Preceded in death by her husband, Philip Johnson, her parents, and her sister, Sally (Davis) Gall. She leaves behind two devoted children: Jerry Johnson and his spouse, Sabra Johnson; and Dan Johnson and his spouse, Dorene Johnson. Her memory will also live on in her three adoring grandchildren: Danelle Godfrey, Collin Johnson, and Schuyler O'Neil, and two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Godfrey and Benjamin Godfrey. A private service celebrating Janice Johnson's life will be held on May 17th at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor.

Her laughter and loving spirit will be deeply missed, and her memory will live on in our hearts.

“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”- Mary Anne Radmacher