Joanne (Coleman) Johnson

Joanne Coleman Johnson passed suddenly after a brief illness on September 22, 2023, at her longtime Napa home. She was 79 years old.

Joanne was born on November 24, 1943, in Sumter, South Carolina to parents Raymond Woodrow Coleman and Frances Coleman. She was raised in Sumter, and it was there that she met her future husband, Gary Edward Johnson, who was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Columbia. After marriage, the couple relocated to Marin County, CA, and ultimately to Napa, CA; where they raised their three sons, Gary R, Kenneth and Erick.

Joanne's professional career in Napa began as the owner of the grill at Chimney Rock Golf Course in the 1970s and completed as the Special Programs Supervisor for Solano County Health and Social Services; with several stops and accomplishments in between. Joanne had a deep faith and relationship with God and was very loved and respected in her work and church relationships.

She was an active member of the First Church of God for decades serving as a secretary, financial administrator and board member. She later attended First Christian Church in Napa. She was a supporter of the arts, tinkering with pottery, painting, poetry, flower arranging and other artistic pursuits, despite insisting that "she was not artistic." She donated her time and resources to the Napa High band and choir fundraising efforts. She loved all things music, especially live concerts and theater events; many of which she attended with her "sister" in life and in God, Barbara Smith.

She was upbeat and positive with a great sense of humor and wit. She loved to read and garden, but her greatest love and loyalty was to her family.

Joanne was pre-deceased by her father and mother; brother, Terrance Coleman; and husband, Gary. She is survived by her brother, Raymond Coleman; three sons and daughters-in-law: Gary and Stepheny Johnson, Kenneth and Sheena Johnson, and Erick and Amanda Johnson; as well as six grandchildren: Ashley, Devin, Cooper, Carly, Garrett and Olivia.

A celebration of life will take place Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the family home in Napa. Those wishing to attend can contact Ken Johnson at 707-721-6200 for more information.

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