Jeanette Johnson

Jeanette was born on January 26, 1955, to Samuel Marvin and Sarah Mae Turner (maiden name Edwards) in Charleston, SC. Jeanette was the youngest and most spirited member of her family and community from the start. During school days, she excelled at marching band - playing clarinet and saxophone and twirling baton. She was an accomplished ballet dancer. Known to befriend any person or animal in need, even at a young age, Jeanette was deeply caring to others. After graduating from Garrett High School, Jeanette studied at Trident Technical College and earned decades of success in corporate accounting. She developed a rich career with lifelong colleagues, and traveled regularly to New York and throughout the southeast.

In 1977, Jeanette welcomed a son, Walter Joseph Vetsch, III (Joel) and Russ James Johnson, Jr. (Jamie) completed their family in 1982. When she became a mother, Jeanette dedicated her life to raising sons with integrity, kind hearts, and a sincere respect for all people. She encouraged their many pursuits, driving them to practices, rehearsals, and graduations. The boys had numerous family pets (including a pony), enjoyed countless laps around the skating rink and threw 100s of frames at the bowling alley. Jeanette excelled at supporting them through the passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether gifting Jamie his first car (which launched a hobby and career) or taking Joel to the mountains (still his favorite respite and pastime), Jeanette made it her mission to bring love, joy and fun to their collective lives.

Through the years Jeanette ensured that her family remained rooted together. She prioritized Joel and Jamie’s relationships with family, neighbors and friends. If anyone knows of Jeanette, they know of our sweet Granny. In early years, both Jeanette and Granny were fortresses for their families. In later years, our beloved matriarchs were fortresses for each other. Jeanette was a tireless advocate for Granny living the good life (pink wheelchair and all), even at 104! As Granny’s caretaker at the end of her life, their bond only deepened.

Sarah Jeanette Johnson is survived by Joel and Erin Vetsch (of Charleston) and their daughter, Margaux, Jamie and Angel Johnson (of Summerville) and their children, Nate and Katsumi, Sam and Betty Turner (of Hanahan) and their daughter, Suzanne, Phil and Deb Turner (of Easly) and their children, Chuck, Lindsey, and Leigh, Mary Ranker (of Belleair, FL), her dogs, Kiwi and Tiny, her cat, Big Boy, and her six turtles.

There will be a celebration of life at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on September 15, 11:00 am at 1444 Remount Road. The family requests that all notes are sent to the church. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Charleston Animal Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Johnson family.