Vicki Jo Johnson

Vicki Jo Johnson, a beloved Wife, Mother, Nana and Teacher, passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with ALS. Vicki spent her final days surrounded by her loved ones in the comfort of her home. From a young age, Vicki knew her passion was helping kids. She fulfilled her passion as a preschool teacher and owner of Bottles to Buses Daycare, with her husband, Craig, in Westmoreland County, VA. Later, at the age of 40, Vicki had the courage and fortitude to pursue her ultimate calling by getting a bachelor's degree, and later a master's degree, in early childhood education, and becoming an elementary school teacher. In the classroom Vicki shined and her love for educating young minds was apparent to everyone who walked through her classroom door. She began her teaching career in King George, VA, at Potomac Elementary followed by Coleman Place Elementary in Norfolk, VA, and Thurgood Marshall Elementary in Chesapeake, VA. She finished her teaching career at Washington District Elementary in Oak Grove, VA; coming back full circle to the school that hired her as a substitute while she worked towards her first degree and encouraged her to never give up. As a teacher to children aged preschool through elementary school for over 20 years, and a mentor to many new teachers along the way, Vicki left a legacy that will far surpass her time with us.
Vicki's dedication to enriching the lives of children around her did not stop when the afternoon school bell rang. During her husband's naval career, she was an ombudsman for the USS Harry E. Yarnell ensuring families were connected and cared for during uncertain times. Vicki also served as Team Mom for her sons' baseball teams at Azalea Little League in Norfolk, VA, and was always the loudest in the stands. When her daughter's Girl Scout Troop #159 in Oak Grove, VA, needed a hand, Vicki bravely volunteered as Troop Leader and Cookie Cupboard Mother for all of Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Left to mourn her departure are her devoted husband of 42 years, Craig Johnson; her sons, Brad VanHorn (Sharmin) and Chris VanHorn (Lisa); daughter, Brittany Jones (Cory); siblings, Diana Balow (Fred), Cheri Kinney (Richard), Larry Lynn (Cindy) and sister-in-law Tori Lynn. Vicki's pride and joy were her five grandchildren, Tristan, Collin, Claire, Reagan, and Peyton, who affectionately called her Nana; and the hundreds of students that she lovingly called "her kids" during her twenty-plus years as an educator.
Vicki's wishes were simple: to be remembered in happier times, and not tearful goodbyes at a memorial service. She was simply content to let her life's work and people she touched speak for her as she closes the attendance book on her time here on Earth. She would remind those shedding tears over her loss that this isn't goodbye, it's simply "till we meet again" as she enjoys her first cup of coffee in Heaven and watches over us. If you wish to honor Vicki's memory and legacy, in lieu of sending flowers, her family is accepting donations to directly support education and provide school supplies at Washington District Elementary School, where she taught her final class. The Mrs. Johnson Remembrance Fund will accept donations via Venmo (@Brittany-Jones-757) or Zelle (757-613-2597); checks can be sent to: Brittany Jones at 13764 Goodson Place Jacksonville, FL 32226. The greatest gift you can give is your time to a child in your life, and any amount you donate to enrich young lives is appreciated.