Audrie Louise Vance Johnson

1921 - 2018

Audrie Louise Vance Johnson April 27, 1921 - December 7, 2018 San Diego Audrie was born in Selma, Alabama. Her family left Selma when she was an infant, they traveled and lived in a number of towns before settling in Los Angeles, where she met her future husband, Fon Johnson. Audrie and Fon married on February 14, 1942. After they were married, Fon joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, where they decided to remain.Because of their love of animals, Audrie and Fon decided to go into the kennel business, first in Santee, and then establishing a very successful Fon-Jon Pet Care Center in the Mission Bay area. In 1977 they acquired a second kennel in Oceanside. Audrie was very active in the local dog community, serving on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Humane Society, founding member of the Obedience Club of San Diego County, Charter Member of Silver Bay Kennel Club, and Charter Member of the Del Sur Kennel Club. During her time with these organizations, she served in many capacities: board member, officer, chairperson, and committee member many times all at once! Audrie also served on the board of the American Boarding Kennel Association. She earned the prestigious Gaines "Fido" award which is given, nationally each year, to the person who has contributed most to the sport of dog obedience training and competition. Audrie was a pioneer in the 1940's, as she was literally building a business from the ground up and raising a family. At that time, most women were not working outside the home. Audrie was multi-talented and had many interests, along with handling a successful career and a family. She loved her family, dogs, basketball, played golf, rode horses, loved to sing and dance. Somehow she found time for everything she loved. Audrie lived a wonderful and active life. She loved people, she never met a stranger! She will be remembered for her character, honesty, integrity, work ethic, moral standard, kindness and compassion. She will truly be missed, but we still have the wonderful memories that will never leave us.Audrie is survived by her son Kevin, daughter Erin; grandchildren Vanessa, Lisa and Jill; great-grandchildren John, Kristina, Daniel, Christian, Sal Jr. and Chase; great-great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Charlotte, John, Seth, and Kyson. A tribute to her life will be held on Friday, December 14, at 11:00 a.m. at El Camino Memorial, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, 92121.Donations may be made to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation or to the San Diego Hall Of Champions.