Janet Lilly Johnson

Janet Lilly Ruth Johnson, 80, of Richmond, Virginia, and formerly of Westminster, Maryland, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Blue Ridge Senior Living in Richmond.

Born on March 22, 1945, in Miami, Florida, Janet was the cherished daughter of the late Charles Bradford Jones, Sr. and Annie Ethel (McMorris) Jones. She was raised in East Hartford, Connecticut, where she attended local schools and graduated from East Hartford High School. A gifted student, Janet participated in the choir and the drill team, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and demonstrated creativity and discipline that would mark her entire life.

Janet went on to attend the University of Connecticut, earning her bachelor's degree in English as a member of the Class of 1967 and graduating as a Dean's List scholar. Her time at UConn was especially meaningful and historic, as she was among the early generations of Black students navigating higher education at a predominantly white institution during the 1960s-an experience that reflected her quiet strength, determination, and commitment to excellence.

She shared a remarkable love story with her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Burrell Johnson, Sr., who was truly the love of her life. Married for 42 years, their union was one of devotion, partnership, and deep affection. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith, and love.

After leaving Connecticut, Janet and her husband settled in Westminster, Maryland, where they raised their family. She served her community as a substitute teacher in the Carroll County Public Schools District, choosing to work most often with students who needed her the most-particularly children with special needs-offering patience, compassion, and advocacy in every classroom she entered. She later spent the remainder of her professional career in sales and management, with her final position in management at Arbitron, a national research company.

Janet was a woman of deep and abiding faith and a longtime, devoted member of Union Street United Methodist Church. A pillar of the congregation, she served faithfully in many roles, including Sunday School teacher, respected lay leader, and worship leader. She preached on several occasions and led the congregation into worship, boldly sharing the Word and guiding others with wisdom, grace, and spiritual authority. She was known for her unwavering encouragement and could always be counted on to uplift those in need.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Janet also had a vibrant personality and a joyful spirit. She loved singing and dancing, and she also loved to draw, creating several pieces of artwork that reflected her creativity, attention to detail, and thoughtful spirit. A serious sports enthusiast, she found great joy in cheering on her favorite teams-the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, and her beloved UConn Huskies.

Above all else, Janet's greatest joy was her family. She was a fiercely loving and supportive mother and grandmother, faithfully present at dance recitals, sporting events, and milestone moments. She lovingly nannied her grandchildren, ensuring that each one felt her presence, pride, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, encouraged, and celebrated so wholeheartedly.

Janet is survived by her loving children, Erika Crabb and son-in-law LTC Tyrone Crabb (U.S. Army, RET) and Robert B. Johnson, Jr. and partner Janice Leonard; her cherished grandchildren, Briana Augenreich (Dylan), Tyrone (Ty) B. Crabb, Austin Catley, and Nevaeh Johnson; and her adored great-grandchildren, Jalen Augenreich, Nina Augenreich, and Isaiah Augenreich. She is also survived by her siblings, Charles Jones and Theresa Hamilton (Mark), along with a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Janet Johnson will be remembered for her faith-filled leadership, her compassion for the most vulnerable, her creative spirit, her devotion to family, and the steady, loving presence she was to all who knew her. She will be forever missed and always remembered.

The family will welcome friends on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 11am to 12 noon with a homegoing service beginning at noon at Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. Please visit www.prittsfuneralhome.com. and click the livestream button on the homepage. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, Sykesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com.