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Janet Lee Johnston
Born: 3/14/1938
Died: 7/10/2025
Age: 87
Community: Davison, MI
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In Loving Memory of Janet Lee Johnston
March 14, 1938 – July 10, 2025
With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Janet Lee Johnston on July 10, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and faithful servant of God, Janet lived a life rich in grace, purpose, and unconditional love.
Born on March 14, 1938, to the late John G. and Pauline D. (Clark) Thompson, Janet was raised in Davison, Michigan, where she would live for most of her life—on the very land that had been her family's farm. The landscape around her may have changed, but Janet remained rooted: to her faith, her family, and the values that shaped her.
Janet graduated from a private Lutheran high school in Saginaw, Michigan, where she shared her beautiful voice in choirs, solo performances, and her favorite group—a sextet. She remained a lifelong member of the Lutheran church. Her faith was the quiet foundation of her life—steady and deep, offering strength in difficult times and inspiring her deep compassion for others.
She met the love of her life, Wilson (“Gus”) Johnston, at AC Sparkplug in Flint, Michigan, when she was just 21. They fell in love quickly and married on April 8, 1961. The two would spend 59 years side by side, raising their children and building a home filled with laughter, warmth, and cookies—always cookies. He preceded her in death on Febraury 2, 2021.
Though known by her grandchildren as the quintessential cookie-baking grandma, Janet's life held more than a few surprises. She was a sharpshooter who once won local competitions while working at Williams Gun Sight Company alongside her brother. She later brought that same steady focus and strength to public service. In 1978, Janet was invited to run for Davison Township Clerk. She won—and flourished. For the next 20 years, she served with intelligence, dignity, and unwavering commitment, earning the respect of peers across Michigan. Throughout her tenure, she served on numerous local, county, and statewide municipal boards and commissions. She retired in 1998, honored for her many contributions and ready to enjoy more time with her family.
After retirement, Janet found joy in the everyday moments—being with her husband Gus, spending time with her children and grandchildren, staying connected with longtime friends, and volunteering at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, where she loved being a reading buddy for young children.
But it wasn’t just what Janet did that made her remarkable—it was how she loved. Janet’s love was a force. It came through in every handwritten card, every carefully chosen gift, every whispered prayer, and every word of encouragement. Her family often said that her love held them together through thick and thin. She gave without expecting anything in return. She forgave freely. She paid attention to people who felt unseen. Her kindness wasn’t loud, but it was life-changing.
Janet leaves behind a legacy that can’t be measured by titles or years. What mattered most was her love—the kind that wrapped around you like one of the many afghans she made, warm and comforting and made to last. It was the kind of love that showed up quietly, again and again, and made you feel like you were home.
She is survived by children, Lisa (Rich) Sullenger, Dana (Ben) Stonebraker, Michael (Renee) Johnston; her grandchildren, Megan Anderson, Aaron (Isabelle) Sullenger, Alison (Steve) Jakubcin, Bret (Kassondra) Csutoras, Laura (Jonah) Mack, Kara (Zach) Brandell, Cara (Jacob) Walker, Bodan Johnston, nine great-grandchildren, and siblings Mary Joe (LeRoy) Levorson, Barb Austin, Chris (Andy) Pocza-Backus, and Carl (Adrienne) Buch, all of whom knew the joy of being loved by her.
She is preceded in death by her, son Eric, brothers John (Phyllis) Thompson, Frankie Thompson, brother-in-law Robert Pocza, and grandson-in-law Rich Anderson.
Her life was a gift. Her memory will be a blessing.
Janet’s memorial visitation will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Burton, Michigan on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10 am until the time of the memorial service at 11 am. Cremation arrangements are being handled by the Bannan Funeral Home – Alpena.
Inurnment: Davison Cemetery
Memorials in her honor can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School or Hospice of Michigan.
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Copyright © 2025 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
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8/2/2025 |
| Time: |
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10:00 AM |
| Janet’s memorial visitation will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Burton, Michigan on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10 am until the time of the memorial service at 11 am. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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8/2/2025 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Good Shepard Lutheran Church
5496 Lippincott Blvd
Burton, MI 48519Get a Map to this location...
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