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Joy Johnson Obituary

Joy Estelle Johnson

October 24, 2014

Joy Estelle Johnson was born in Charleston, SC on 5 January 1937, and died peacefully in her home on 24 October 2014 after a long battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Charles Sansbury, and her sister, Carol McDuff, of Foley, AL.

Joy was married to Jerome "Jerry" Johnson on 15 August 1955. They were married 59 wonderful years.

Joy raised three happy daughters as a devoted U.S. Navy Spouse. She was actively involved in many activities and charities associated with organizations in the U. S. Navy. She was the sponsor for the USS Santa Fe, SSN-763, a U.S. Navy Submarine. Joy loved to cook, play bridge, quilt and needlepoint.

Joy is survived by her husband ADM Jerome L. Johnson, USN Ret, her three daughters: Jill J. Drerup (John) of Athens, GA; Julie LaMarr Hayden (John) of Jupiter, FL; Jennifer L. Till (Mike) of Crofton, MD; her grandchildren, Sara Hayden Rissolo (Mike), Kelsey Hayden, Christopher Snyder, Katherine Joy Drerup, Jacob LaMarr Snyder, and her great-grandchildren: Hailey Rissolo, Kyla Hayden, Isabel Rissolo, and Jude Rissolo.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be given in Joy's memory to the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society, 875 N. Randolphs St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203 or charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Press on Oct. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joy Johnson

Not sure what to say?





Judy Lillard

October 20, 2021

Time slips by so quickly. Continued prayers for your family.

Pam Strohmeier

October 20, 2021

I actually had her on my mind all day yesterday not knowing the day she had passed. She was always such an inspiration to me with her strength and smile. Will always miss her...her quilting friend,Pam

Pam Strohmeier

October 20, 2020

I think often about what a beautiful person you always were. Amazing strength and attitude. You touched my life in a way that I will always love and remember.

Melissa Fortune

January 27, 2015

My heart broke to know beautiful Joy was losing a long fought battle with cancer. She was and IS still my inspiration. She exuded strength, courage and grace. I will miss her terribly, as I alreasy have. I pray the family& (her sweet husband -Admiral Johnson) find comfort in knowing she is always there with them in spirit.

Pam strohmeier

November 7, 2014

Joy was one of the most beautiful people that I have ever known. I will miss her terribly and will Always keep her in my heart.

Judy Lillard

November 3, 2014

Admiral, My prayers are with you and your family.

October 29, 2014

Joy was one of the most beautiful people that I have ever known. I will miss her deeply. I will always keep her in my heart.

Verna Valentine RN

October 28, 2014

Rest in peace Joy. I always enjoyed taking care of you and talking to you at FCS! Pain free my friend. Hugs to your husband.

Dee & Rick Carnahan

October 28, 2014

ADM Johnson and family. I was saddened to learn of Joy's passing. Please accept our deep and heartfelt condolences on this great loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Love, Dee & Rick

Evelyn Liberty-Topliff

October 28, 2014

Admiral Johnson - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. With deepest sympathy.

Cecilia Hodges

October 27, 2014

My prayers go out to you and your family Jenn. Here is a prayer for you:
"and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning,and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair".

Peter & Carol Canine

October 27, 2014

Everyone who met Joy remembers her with admiration and respect. She will be missed. Our prayers our with the whole family.

Tsui-Ti Liu

October 27, 2014

Admiral Johnson, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending love from Maryland.

October 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Julie. I know your mom was very special to you all! Martha Lake

Kyle and Lawrence Drerup

October 26, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire beautiful family now and in the days ahead. Sending love from Louisiana.

Leigh D'Adamo

October 26, 2014

Prayers and hugs for your family, Julie! Your momma is now pain free and resting peacefully!

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