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JoAnn Johnson Obituary
LAKEWOOD, Colo. - JoAnn T. Johnson, 72, formerly of Princeton, currently of Lakewood, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on May 14, 2025.
JoAnn Kathleen was born in Spokane, Washington, on Dec. 5, 1952, as the first of two children to Irvin W. and Norma (Deinhardt) Trotter. At the age of 3, JoAnn's family moved to Florida, where she spent her growing-up years in Winter Park. After graduation from Winter Park High School, JoAnn began her collegiate carrier at, what was then, Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida) and then transferred to the University of Florida where she graduated with a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science. While at FTU, JoAnn met the love of her life in Organic Chemistry class - Doug Johnson. JoAnn went on to be a licensed pharmacist in Florida, Georgia and Kentucky, where she practiced for many years.
JoAnn and Doug moved to Princeton, Kentucky, in 1980. She was an active member of First Christian Church, a fierce advocate for Kentucky education and enjoyed boating and traveling with her family. After retirement, JoAnn and Doug moved to Colorado to be closer to their beloved grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, JoAnn is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Douglas Wayne Johnson.
JoAnn is survived by daughters, Jackie (Eric) Cheek of Lakewood, and Rebecca (Vern) Wingfield of Pearland, Texas; sister, LaVon James of Florida; three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; and six step-great grandchildren.
JoAnn was renowned for her culinary skills and often referred to by her grandchildren as "the cookie lady". She will be missed for her brave and intelligent personality, uncanny green thumb, travel and event planning skills, and perfection at wrapping gifts.
A toast to JoAnn's life was held on May 19, 2025, at Babe's Tea Room in Golden, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in JoAnn's memory to one of her favored organizations: Doctors Without Borders: doctorswithoutboarders.org; St Joseph's Indian School: give.stjo.org; The Denver Hospice - 8289 E. Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230 thedenverhospice.org; First Christian Church - 510 Hopkinsville Street, Princeton, KY 42445.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JoAnn Johnson
Diane Cooper
June 28, 2025
I just found out about your mom´s passing and I am so very sorry. We worked together for years at the hospital and then the Free Clinic. She was a wonderful person and a great friend. I will pray God comforts you all, know that she will always be with you.
Love you both
Diane Cooper
Linda Selub
May 27, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Rebecca and Jackie and the family. I met JoAnn and Doug when our cooperative building was under construction and they lived right across the hall with Maggie. I think of her every time I walk out of or into my home, and it´s so odd to not have the Gators flag on the door. JoAnn was a good friend and a blessing for our community. May her memory forever be as a blessing.
Memory Pingree
May 23, 2025
I am so very sorry to learn of JoAnn´s passing. In phone calls, her mom (my sis) would sing her praises, actually the whole family, until my ear was sore. There was a lot for a mom to feel proud of, a remarkable, accomplished, generous, loving, woman.
Barbara Wells
May 22, 2025
So so sorry to hear of JoAnn's passing. I admired her a great deal and will really miss our Friday night phone calls. She so graciously got into a routine of calling me (or I would call her) every few Friday nights since her mom (my Aunt Sis) did the same before her own passing. In my mind, JoAnn was the perfect combination of southern belle and strong professional woman. I can remember way back in the 60's when they visited my brother and I in Northwest Washington and how much fun she and LaVon were at the beach! It is comforting to know she is re-united with her beloved Doug and that she does not have to deal with any more earthly pain. What a special lady!
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Cathy Beavers
May 20, 2025
JoAnn will be fondly remembered by many! A special lady!
Wendy Lindberg
May 19, 2025
Rebecca and family,
Don and I are so sorry to hear about your Mom. Loved hearing about her life and seeing the family pictures. You are loved.
Don and Wendy Lindberg
Miranda Mendez
May 19, 2025
Grams was amazing and always so thoughtful. She never missed a birthday or holiday and always made sure to send a card, which meant a lot. We´d text here and there, especially after my son Noah was born-she loved hearing about him. I´ll always remember her being part of Rebecca´s bridal shower and the way she stayed connected in her own quiet, caring way.
Karen Jones
May 19, 2025
Many happy memories with JoAnn and Doug. I loved all our time with the family at First Christian Church. Hugs to all the family.
Eric Cheek
May 18, 2025
She was an incredible mother in law and a great friend!
Connie Upshaw
May 18, 2025
Connie Upshaw
May 18, 2025
In Lufkin, Tx.(2016) ..on the way from Colorado to Pearland....
Connie & Charlie Upshaw
May 18, 2025
Dear Jackie and Becca, our sincere condolences to you and your families. We loved your Mom and Dad, just wish we could have lived closer together, but such great memories through the years. We were so glad to meet you both in Kentucky, at your Dad's memorial and see your Mom again. Wish we could be with you in Denver, but know our thoughts will be with you and we will "toast" her from NC....
Connie Upshaw
May 18, 2025
College friends for life!
Cindy Wilhelm
May 18, 2025
JoAnn was lovely lady and friend. She was kind and loved First Christian Church. It was a blessing to have known her. Praying for her children and grandchildren.
Billie K. Farless
May 18, 2025
Sad to hear of JoAnn´s passing. She was a beautiful soul who treasured her family, friends and community. Prayers for Rebecca and Jackie.
Sandi Lewis
May 18, 2025
Jo Ann was a beautiful lady inside and out. She was a compassionate woman who loved her family deeply. Prayers for comfort and peace for all the loved ones
Diane and Ed Koscho
May 18, 2025
Girls we are sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. We have a lot of memories or your mom dad of course you girls as neighbors. We had a good neighborhood for you all to grown up in. Praying that God will give you peace comfort and strength. Diane and Ed
LuAnn Clark
May 18, 2025
Jackie and Rebecca we are sad to hear about your mom. We knew your parents in Princeton and went to the same church. You girls were similar age to our kids. Your parents were lots of fun and so interesting ! I wish we would have kept in touch. Again our condolences to you and yours.
Adam Ball
May 18, 2025
JoAnn was one of the sweetest women I´ve ever known. Doug and her were always welcoming to me over the years while growing up with their Jackie and Becca and she will be missed dearly.
I´m glad her and Doug are reunited in Heaven and I know they´re smiling down on their family.
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