Fay J. Johnson

Fay Johnson, a resident of Warrenville, IL since 1961, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at Monarch Landing in Naperville. She was born July 4, 1929, in Chicago IL, and lived there until her marriage, when she moved to the western suburbs. Fay was the beloved wife of the late Clifford Johnson, whom she married on Dec. 23, 1950; loving mother of Debra (Keith) Swinden of Warrenville, Christopher (Pauline) Johnson of Fort Collins, CO, Daniel (Debbie) Johnson of Elburn, IL, and Andrew (Monica) Johnson of Warrenville; adored grandmother of Erin, Joshua (Tammy), Samuel, Sarah, Scott (Sarah), Kyle (Elizabeth) Tyler (Doug), Alex (Lauren) and Anna; cherished great-grandmother of Kaitlin, Lauren, Parker, Liam, Layla, Briggs, Evelyn, Stella, Amelia, Leo, and Otto; a loving great-great Grandma, a fond Aunt, Cousin, and a wonderful friend.
Fay was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Johnson, her parents Clifford and Stella Johnson (yes, her father's name was also Clifford Johnson); her brother, Clifford Johnson (yes, her brother was Clifford Johnson, too) and very recently, her great-granddaughter, Abigail Small.
Except for a brief time as a child when her family moved to Virginia for work, Fay was proud to grow up in Chicago and loved a good Cubs game. She was always enthusiastic about a visit to the old neighborhood. A graduate of Tuley (now Roberto Clemente) HS in Chicago, she was active in their reunion activities for most of her adult life. Following graduation, Fay worked downtown at Continental Bank, where her co-worker, Juanita Johnson introduced her to her future husband, Cliff, and as they say, the rest is history.
Fay was an active partner with Cliff in Warrenville Radio and TV from 1958 to 1986. She was active in the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 8081 and in the Women's Auxiliary for the Warrenville Fire Department. Fay also served as a part time reporter for The Beacon News out of Aurora, IL. When her kids were young, Fay would occasionally step into the classroom as the "Picture Lady" at Holmes School in Warrenville, sharing insights into art and history. She worked for many years as a Realtor in the Warrenville/Naperville area, earning many repeat customers over the years as she garnered countless sales awards. Having been born on the 4th of July, she was one of the most patriotic people you'd ever meet and had an extensive red, white, and blue wardrobe. She loved marching or riding in Independence Day Parades, especially with her 4th of July "sister" Emily Larson. This patriotic streak carried through to the part she played in Warrenville's effort to become a City in the 1960s, and as a precinct captain on occasion. Fay and Cliff were active members of Warrenville's Trinity Lutheran Church since 1986, and at Our Savior's in Naperville before that. Faith, family, and community were at the foundation of her character. Fay will be fondly remembered by all who loved her. The family wishes to give a special THANK YOU to the dedicated staff at Monarch Landing, where Fay was always treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Donations in Fay's memory may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 3S460 Curtis Avenue in Warrenville or to the Clifford Johnson School PTA at 2S700 Continental Drive, Warrenville, IL 60555.
Burial will be private, and a celebration of life will be planned at a later date.