Josie Ann Johnson

Josie Ann Johnson Josie A. Johnson 90, a longtime resident of Kingsburg, CA passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Pickaway Township, Illinois to Calvin and Sadie Behl December 11, 1932. As a teenager, she moved to northern Illinois where she later met and married Wayne A. Johnson on August 18, 1951. They lived in Woodstock, Illinois and started a family first a daughter Kathleen, then a son Bruce, daughter Karen, and daughter Kim. They were active in the Free Methodist Church, a CB radio Club, and enjoyed camping as a family. In June of 1965 they'd had enough of living with snow in the winters and moved to sunny Kingsburg, California. They raised their family in the lovely Swedish Village and Wayne commuted to Fresno to work for Southern Pacific Railroad. They joined the Kingsburg First Baptist Church where dear friends were made. Josie worked many summers as a seasonal employee for Del Monte cannery working mostly on the pie belt. As a family they continued to camp, first with a tent then moving up to a trailer. Once the children were all grown, they moved to Fresno to shorten Wayne's commute. While living in Fresno, they continued to travel and joined a camping club. Sadly, after 39 years of marriage, her husband Wayne was diagnosed with ALS and after a brief fight, passed away at the age of 58. Josie made the decision to move back to Kingsburg, CA. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church. She dearly loved her Sunday School class, serving on the funeral committee, helping with Wednesday night meals, and greeting in the church foyer on Sunday mornings. Josie was very social and participated in Tuesday Club including several game groups with them. She had many friends and a core group, the Lunch Bunch, that gathered to celebrate birthdays together. She formed the first Kingsburg Red Hat Club and enjoyed being "The Queen". She participated in a community Bible Study, even after it became mentally challenging for her. Josie enjoyed watching her local grandchildren participate in dance, sports, and music. She cherished her family and loved hosting holiday gatherings, being sure to make many family favorites. Josie traveled the world with family and friends, making wonderful memories. Josie will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit and many talents as a seamstress, cook, and crafter. She found peace in the fact that she knew her Lord and Savior and that she would spend eternity in Heaven. She is survived by her daughter Kathleen (William) Spencer, son Bruce (Teresa) Johnson, daughter Karen (James-deceased) Shank, and daughter Kim (Myron) Dyck, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg. Interment services will be held at 9:00 AM Monday, October 2nd, 2023 at the Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 AM at the Kingsburg Historical Park, 2321 Sierra Street, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Josie Ann Johnson

December 11, 1932 - September 20, 2023