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Johnny Vann Obituary
Johnny Lee Vann Sr., age 59, of Newark, DE, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 3, 2011. Mr. Vann loved to teach children and was the principal of several schools in New York, Ohio, and Indiana as well as at Gauger Cobbs Middle School and Christiana High School and he was assistant principal at Newark High School in the Christina School District in Delaware. He had a passion for literature, and enjoyed black history, science fiction movies, music, fishing, cooking, and football.
Mr. Vann is survived by his former spouse and caregiver, Earline L. Vann; sons, Johnny L. Vann Jr. and Joshua L. Vann; daughters, Joy Vann Austin and Juliette Vann; 3 grandchildren; 6 brothers and 5 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Booker T. and Willa Vann Sr.; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 8, in Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702 from 9-10 am followed by a service in celebration of Johnny's life at 10 am. Burial will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Delaware Hospice.
For directions and to express an online condolence, visit
www.strano-feeley.com
STRANO & FEELEY FAMILY FUNERAL HOME
302-731-5459
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Vann
Lisa Harris
November 20, 2023
I knew John y when we were both administrators in Ithaca City Schools. I wonder if he also played pro and if he did - where?
Douglas Payne
October 3, 2023
Rest In Heavenly Peace Mr.Vann, from Douglas Payne the music teacher of Olney High School in Philadelphia
Barry Blue
October 1, 2020
Johnny was truly a wonderfully genuine person whom I feel blessed to have as a teammate. Tremendous individual and gifted athlete who was a quiet leader, and was always showing the way by example!
Certainly he is in a better place, but was taken too early in life! Thanks for all you did for all of us who were teammates! God Bless!
sherry walker
November 7, 2011
My deepest sympathy & condelence to the Van Family, I attended WHS with ,Booker, Ruby & Johnny . My prayers are extended to the entire family at this difficult, time May God Bless you and be with you. A friend always Sherry Walker
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Shayla
November 6, 2011
You will be missed
Douglas Payne
October 25, 2011
I just found out about the passing of Mr. Vann. I taught music at Olney high school in Philadelphia under Mr. Vann. He was a great person to work for, I'll never forget when we had to fight a fire together on the 4th floor. Johnny used the extinguisher until the fire department got there,we both were risking our lives. I Send my condolences to his family.
Douglas Payne
Rosalind Taylor-McKnight
October 21, 2011
A couple of days ago I found out about the passing of Johnny. I cherish many memories of him and his family. He was a good man smart, funny and very loving of his family. He will be missed greatly. Love You All.
Rosalind Taylor-McKnight, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Diane Willoughby
October 20, 2011
Sending love & light ur way...
Nancy Barnett
October 20, 2011
I worked w/Johnny in Ithaca, NY where he was the principal of the school. He was a friend of mine along w/his sons, Johnny and Josh (whom I still miss seeing). Johnny will truly be missed and I know how much he loved his sons. Sorry for your loss.
Nancy Barnett
Lois Lawshea
October 16, 2011
Booker,Ruby,
You are both on my mind and in my heart. He was a wonderful brother.
Lesley Taylor & Family
October 13, 2011
To the Vann Family,
I knew Booker & Johnny back during the High School days. They went to Washington and I went to John Adams. Great friendship memories. May you the Vann family find that on the most difficult days the beauty of memories bring comfort. With heartfelt sympathy,
Sincerely,
Tom Theobald
October 13, 2011
Johnny was a teammate and classmate of mine at the University of South Dakota. He was a good athlete, leader and person. I am sorry for your loss.
rosie vann
October 12, 2011
"Precious lord, take my hand, lead me on,let me stand!I am tired,I am weak,I am worn, through the storm,through the night lead me on to the light,Take my hand precious lord,lead me home. I will always love you john my brother my friend. love your sis rosie
Sharon Honeycutt
October 12, 2011
To the Vann Family.....Johnny was a true champion and very good friend to many of us. He will be truly missed but certainly not forgotten. I pray that God gives you the strength to get through this. God bless you all.
Until then.....
Joe Salem
October 11, 2011
I had the privilege of recruiting Johnny to the University of South Dakota as a student and Football player. He was joined on our team by his brothers, Booker and Tommy.
John was an outstanding credit to the USD program. He was a very good student and an outstanding Player. He made a major contribution as a Strong Safety to the 3 North Central Conference Championships. He was named to the All Conferece team, an award he achieved by hard work and dedication. We are very proud of the contributions he made.
My prayers are with the Vann Family. Joe Salem, Head Football Coach, USD
Celeste Didlick-Davis
October 11, 2011
I loved him too! He was my best friend. My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to all of you. John took care of my family, like it was his own. He never met a stranger.
October 11, 2011
My condolences to the Vann family. Johnny and Booker were teammates of mine at USD. He was a great player and leader.
October 10, 2011
I am so very sorry to hear of Johnny's death. My sincerest condolences to all of Johnny's family, but especially to his brother Booker, who was my teammate at USD, along with Johnny. Obviously, this news of Johnny's passing was shocking to so many of his teammates at USD. Johnny and Booker have often been talked about, and so many have wondered where they were and what they have been doing over the past many years. Certainly this is not the way that I wanted to find out about Johnny, and I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. Johnny was a true friend and I enjoyed many FUN times together with both Johnny and Booker. I truly hope that Booker can join all of his former teammates in the near future so we can share some valuable time together and have the opporutnity to talk about his wonderful brother and his outstanding contriubutions, not only to USD but to everyone and everytthing that he came into contact with over his 59 years here on earth. God Bless Johnny, and I say that on behalf of all of his USD teammates, he left us before his time. Barry Blue (Former Teammate @ USD 1970-73)
October 10, 2011
Johnny was a teammate of mine at the University of South Dakota. We had very successful conference championship teams due to the Vann Clan contributions in Johnny, Booker, and Tommy's. Booker and Tommie along with the whole family, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and we lost a great teammate.
M. Barney Ruehl
Rev. Bernard Brisbane...(Mr. "B")
October 10, 2011
May God Bless You And Your Family. Mr. Vann Was A Great Friend And Would Be Well Missed.
Larry, Carolyn, Lawrence and Ashley Powell
October 10, 2011
Rosie, Larry, Monica and the Vann family we extend our deepest sympathy in the passing of Johnny. May the memories soon bring all of you comfort. We will keep you in prayer. God Bless.
Brenda Cherrone
October 10, 2011
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family for the passing of an old friend whom I tried to find many, many times over the years. He was always on my mind. I am saddened. May God keep you all in his prayers. Brenda (BK) Cherrone
Genevieve "Genny" Lawshea-Minnix
October 10, 2011
To the Vann family...I extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of my childhood friend, Johnny. May the fond memories and God's everlasting arm sustain you during this difficult time. My mother, Aleatha Lawshea, and my siblings, Floyd and Lois, extend their condolences as well.
October 9, 2011
Dear Ruby,
So sorry for the news of your brothers death. Won't we rejoice when death is no more! Meanwhile we have to cope. Call if you just want to talk.
Sincerely,
Richetta Willis
Alma Powell
October 8, 2011
To all of my Vann "children.":
You have my deepest sympathy. I knew Johnny as a sincere educator and remember many of his siblings as being among my favorite students at Central Middle School.
Alma C. Powell
John Miller
October 8, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sherri Taylor
October 8, 2011
My prayers and condolences to the Vann family. May God comfort and strengthen your hearts in this time of loss.
BELINDA TAYLOR
October 8, 2011
to the vann family sorry for your loss he was a big brother for a lot of us
Dana Harris Carter
October 8, 2011
My sincere prayers and condolences go out to the Vann Family. Although I didn't know Mr. Vann personally I went to LaSalle High School with several of the Vann family members. Peace & blessings always!
Tyrone Davis
October 8, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Vann family. Johnny and I were grammer & High school teammates in all the sports activity that were played in South Bend.
Although I haven't seen Johnny since high school, the great memories will continue to last. God bless the family.
October 8, 2011
Give Honor to God.
May God lift the Vann family,
spirit and keep them.Pary at all times,
in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
We love you all.
Aunt Diana,Uncle Jessie,Aunt,Brenda,
Aunt Wilehemia,and family.
Bless Jesus Name.
Eppenger Family.
South Bend IN.
Natalie Mincy-Lott
October 8, 2011
To the Vann family, may the love of God be your comfort in this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you.
Pamela Valentine-Wilson
October 8, 2011
TO THE ENTIRE VANN FAMILY; I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. I have known you all since you lived on Washington str., and we were on Chestnut. Johnny was just a little boy then. Dolly & Rosie please let me know if there is anything I can do for you all. God Bless you all.
Pam Valentine-Wilson & Family
James Lane
October 8, 2011
To the Vann's, I will always have kind memories of Johnny during his growing up years in South Bend.Be blessed with Peace,Comfort and Hope!
Adam Gibbs
October 8, 2011
To The Entire Vann Family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
derrick bowie
October 8, 2011
may god bless derrick and the bowie family
Mark Madison
October 8, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Vann Family. We came from two of the largest families in the South Bend area, and for many years our sisters were friends. Johnny was a stand up youngman in everything he chose to do. It was a pleasure knowing him. God bless all of you.
Joy Vann-Austin
October 7, 2011
Thank you everyone for the love and condolences. I am very grateful to know that our father has touch so many lives. He will be missed!
James O. Turner, Sr.
October 6, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Vann family. I was sorry to learn of Mr. Vann's passing. He was an excellent principal and educator and I am thankful that my three children attended Gauger Cobbs School while he was principal there. We only have a short period of time to make our impact on this world. Mr. Vann made a tremendous positive contribution to the lives of many young children when he served in Delaware.
Lerone Johnson
October 5, 2011
"To the Vann family you have my deepest sympathy for you lost". All thought I only new Mr. Vann for a year in half he was a very good friend and mentor to me and my son. He also taught me family was the most important thing for he always talked about his boys and daughters. For that he has made me become a better man and father.
Coach Lerone Johnson Sr. and Son Lerone Johnson Jr. (Charleston, SC)
October 5, 2011
Deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow. I co-taught with Mr. Vann during his short time with Burke High. I wish your family peace of mind and supporting love from surrounding family.
Karen Thompson
Burke High School
Charleston, SC
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