First Evangelical Free Church in Moline to Hold Celebration of Life Service for JoAnna Johnson

JoAnna (Howard) Johnson, 80, of Orion, passed away on August 23, 2023, at UnityPoint Trinity Rock Island. Her life was marked by a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to serving others through prayer and action. She was a long-time member of First Evangelical Free Church in Moline, where she actively participated in Sunday school, served as a Deaconess, and contributed to the Missions Board.

JoAnna was born on May 2, 1943, in Pope County, Illinois, to George Washington and Golda Marie (Hicks) Howard. She married Lyle Keith Johnson on March 11, 1967, at First Evangelical Free Church. After graduating from Dixon High School, she worked in insurance and at a Sunday school before attending St. Paul Bible College and completing her nursing education at Moline Public School of Nursing in 1966. She went on to work as a Registered Nurse at Moline Public Hospital and for 20 years at the Rock Island County Health Department.

Her faith was central to her life, and she was known for her prayers for others. She also played a key role in starting the Christian Women’s Club (CWC) in her area and served on its board of directors. JoAnna had a passion for music, using her alto voice in church and community music groups. She also enjoyed sewing and crafting, especially creating cards with handwritten notes of encouragement.

JoAnna cherished time with family, particularly her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Lyle; son, Brian (Anne) Johnson; daughter, Janelle (Bruce) Daasch; grandchildren, Emily, Paige, Sophie, Evelyn, and Caleb; sister, Melva Sue Miller; nephews, David (Laura) Danay, Ivan (Janice) Danay, Steven (Judy) Howard; and many other nieces and nephews, as well as friends within the Church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings, including Eugene, Gleda (Fred) Danay, Len, Mabel, Wanda, and Dennis, as well as her daughter-in-law, Anita Johnson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Evangelical Free Church on September 2, 2023, with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. Private burial will take place at Rural Township Cemetery at Beulah. Memorials may be made to her family for a fund to be established.

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