Janette M. Johnson

Janette M. Johnson was born to Ila and Mary Opal Mathis in Trenton, Tennessee on July 22, 1933. She was born into a family of farmers that migrated back-and-forth between Florida and Tennessee. At age 13, she told a "white lie" about her age to obtain her first job at the movie theater. During that same time, she told the same lie to obtain her first and only boyfriend, Ted. Janette graduated as the Valedictorian of Pahokee High School in 1951. The week prior to graduation, she changed her first name and fled to Georgia to get married. Janette was rebellious for her time, a leader, a true alpha female. A strong-minded, successful independent business executive and, most importantly, mother to many.
She did everything in life at a superior level except baking simply because she refused to follow a recipe. Janette was a resident of Okeechobee for almost 30 years. She was a member of Canal Point Baptist Church and many organizations and clubs throughout her lifetime. She retired from a career in agribusiness after 35 years, but she was not finished. She went on to obtain her real estate license and was successful in selling real estate in the Glades. Janette enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, swimming, the beach, sewing, fishing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a walking dictionary. She was a diehard Gator and Braves fan!
Janette was preceded in death by her mother, father, and baby brother. Her husband of 59 years, Theodore R. Johnson. As well as their young son, Teddy.
Janette is survived by her daughter, Terriann Johnson, of Okeechobee; bonus children, Scott Parris, of South Carolina and Sidney Parris, of Wauchula; six grandchildren; William (Angelica) Johnson, of Niceville, Daniel (Michelle) Johnson, of North Carolina, Karen (Tony) McCord, of Oklahoma, her favorite Thomas (Brittany) Johnson, Katelin (Cody) Johnson and bonus grandson, Vince Tyner, all of Okeechobee; 11 great-grandchildren; Samantha Yarborough, Kaeli Johnson, Autumn (Trent) Gibson and Abby Parish, Ethan (Camber) Johnson, Dylan Hodges, Raeanne and Dayton Tyner, Abel and Lucy Johnson, and Brody and Brayden Wright; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Janette made her way to heaven on July 15, 2024; one year after her classmate and very best friend, Betty Jean Murphy.
A celebration of her life and heavenly birthday will be held at Canal Point Baptist Church on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.